Political Satire in Jordan: Exploring the Satirical Online Video Show Man Saf Baladi from Multiple Perspectives

Abstract

Satire has become an increasingly popular form of political expression, through which people critique sociopolitical realities, challenge authority, and engage in public debate. Its role and communicative impact, however, are shaped by the sociopolitical context in which it operates, making it a particularly interesting area for exploration in settings with limited freedom of expression.

This study explores the popular Jordanian satirical online video show Man Saf Baladi, with the aim of providing a deeper understanding of satire as a mode of political communication in the context of Jordan. Driven by the complexity of satire and the multiple dimensions involved in its production and consumption as a form of political discourse, the study employs an integrative research design that examines Man Saf Baladi from various analytical and participant perspectives to focus on its content, discourse, satirist’s perspective and audience reception as key components that interact within the sociopolitical culture of Jordan to provide a comprehensive understanding of its role and potential impact.

To achieve this, the study employed a QUAL-dominant mixed-methods approach, incorporating a qualitative analysis of a group of 20 videos from the show, an interview with its satirist, a collection of viewers’ responses to the videos on Facebook, and a quantitative analysis of an anonymous audience survey. Various analytical methods were used to investigate the show and its key components. These included a thematic analysis of the show’s content, a discourse analysis of the key discursive strategies employed in the show, a thematic analysis of the satirist’s interview data, a thematic analysis of viewers’ comments on Facebook, and a descriptive and correlational statistical analysis of the questionnaire responses, which measured viewers’ online engagement with the show and their perceptions of its effects on their attitudes, interests, and political participation.

Findings of the study reveal that Man Saf Baladi functions as a vibrant platform for political discourse and public reflection. The show presents satirical content that engages with the country’s public affairs and critiques political power through a combination of humour and serious political commentary. It addresses crucial issues such as corruption, governance, and the economic struggles of citizens, targeting a range of political entities—from individual politicians to institutional structures—while providing incisive critiques of Jordan’s political landscape. The show employs a range of key discursive strategies in its satirical discourse, including episode titles, metaphors, anecdotes, and emotional shifts, which effectively achieve its critical aims, engage viewers, and influence their attitudes and opinions. The satirist adopts a multifaceted identity as a journalist, educator, and activist, while underscoring a strong belief in using satire to inform and mobilise the public toward political reform. Audience reception, examined through analyses of Facebook comments and an audience survey, reveals that viewers connect deeply with the show and perceive it as a credible source of political critique that fosters political awareness and engagement.

Altogether, this study challenges prevailing assumptions that Jordanian online satire is limited to symbolic resistance and psychological relief, contributing to a new understanding of its sociopolitical potential within the Jordanian context. It demonstrates that political satire, exemplified by Man Saf Baladi, serves as a dynamic forum for political communication, with the potential to educate, shape attitudes, inspire political participation, and ultimately drive momentum for real sociopolitical change in Jordan.