Dennis Miller is a comedian, writer, and television personality known for his quick wit, sarcasm, and dry humor. He first gained fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) in the 1980s, before moving on to host his own talk show, The Dennis Miller Show, in the 1990s. In recent years, he has become known for his conservative political views and frequent appearances on Fox News.
Teaching students about Dennis Miller can be a fun and engaging way to explore the world of comedy and political commentary.
Here are a few tips and resources to get started:
1. Start with SNL:
Miller’s early career on SNL is a great introduction to his brand of comedy. Show students some of his classic Weekend Update segments, such as his rants about politics and pop culture. Discuss why Miller’s humor was so popular in the 80s, and how it has evolved over the years.
2. Dive into politics:
Miller’s political commentary has become a big part of his public persona in recent years. Show students some of his appearances on Fox News, and ask them to analyze his arguments and opinions. What do they agree with, and what do they disagree with? How does Miller use humor to make his points?
3. Consider Miller’s writing:
In addition to his TV appearances, Miller has also written several books, including The Rants and Ranting Again. Have students read a selection from one of these books, and ask them to write a response or analysis. What kind of writing style does Miller use? How does he use humor to make his point?
4. Use Miller as a jumping-off point:
Miller’s comedy and political commentary touch on a wide range of issues, from sports to religion to current events. Use his work as a starting point for classroom discussions or writing assignments. For example, you could ask students to write their own Weekend Update style rants on a current event, or to analyze a political speech for its use of humor.
Overall, teaching students about Dennis Miller can be a fun and engaging way to explore the world of comedy and politics. By analyzing Miller’s work, students can gain a deeper understanding of how humor can be used to make a point, and how political commentary can be both entertaining and informative.
