subject: Celebrities Use Humor To Fight Back Against Health Insurance Industry [print this page] What do America Ferrera and Jack Black have in common? Besides being Hollywood stars and known for their comedic prowess, the actress and actor are both working with a pro-healthcare reform group to protest against lobbyists seeking to weaken the law.
Health Care For America Now (HCAN) is spearheading the effort. They are fighting against groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, 60 Plus Association, and America Crossroads. These groups heavily oppose the Obama administration's health insurance plan reform for several reasons--including the potential for increased taxes (which could hurt small businesses), and predicted cuts to Medicare Advantage programs for senior citizens. Despite their different justifications, these organizations have a common goal: influencing next month's midterm elections.
If Republicans take back Congress, they have pledged to repeal the Affordable Care Act. While President Obama is guaranteed to veto such bills as long as he is in office, GOP legislators can have a significant impact on a state level. Several states have ballot propositions that would forbid anybody from imposing an individual mandate on their residents.
In the case of healthcare reform supporters, this would be a disaster. They claim that the aformentioned lobbying and industry groups are spreading propaganda to scare Americans. Therefore, they are using humor to create their own viral video propaganda.
The video makes fun of "corporate liars for hire"--organizations that have spent hundreds of millions of dollars to overturn the law. Black and Ferrera play key roles in a series of videos called "The Misinformant." The main character, Nathan Spewman, is a parody of corporate shills that will stop at nothing to make money, including lying. Purportedly misleading ads about how reform will harm existing health insurance plans are just one example of what HCAN decries.
Will the skewering work? It is possible: Comedy Central TV shows have become some of the most potent political weapons for progressives. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are funnymen, yet they have developed serious influence. HCAN, however, may appear as just another liberal interest group entering the fray.
Celebrities Use Humor To Fight Back Against Health Insurance Industry
By: Yamileth Medina
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