Thank Goodness for the Woman Doctor

Stewart’s show definitely made an impression on me, considering I wasn’t aware of the Georgetown law student asking for contraceptives to be paid for or that Limbaugh’s poor choice in words. Without previous knowledge on the situation, I felt that I was easily more persuaded towards Stewart’s point of view, but at the same time, I think with previous knowledge anyways, I would’ve had the same opinion.

Although the argument is clearly one sided, only revealing certain cut outs from the opposing side in order to make them look bad and ignorant, I have to say that contraceptives should be paid for under health care. Like any medical treatment, it has its purposes and benefits that should be given to those who need it. The most informative part of Stewart’s piece wasn’t Stewart at all, but the woman doctor at the end. She listed valid arguments, was trusted due to her status as a doctor, and was calm, collected, and serious about her subject. I listened to her more than Stewart.

I also believe this woman’s argument was more convincing since the argument is about women having their contraceptives paid for and she was a woman doctor. Stewart and Limbaugh on the other hand have less of an impact on me. Stewart, for example, was funny, but I can barely recall most of his words. Limbaugh, I can remember his, but I was quickly turned away from his opinion due to his extreme choice in words. As for the doctor, she was calm and collected, explaining the situation very well for anyone to understand. I could relate to her and understand her points, especially as a female myself. If I had only seen her segment and nothing else, I would be all for the government paying for contraceptives, just because I trust her opinion more than anyone else presented on the show.

While Stewart’s humor was enjoyable, I felt that his performance wasn’t the reason I gained an opinion on this matter at all. Looking back on the clip now, I realize that nothing of what he said has stuck with me. Satire can be effective, but I also believe that it can be overused. In Stewart’s case, I recall him putting on a hazmat helmet, but I don’t recall his point afterwards, except that Limbaugh said some pretty strong words. Here is where satire can be considered ineffective, because if someone’s humor is all that can be remembered and yet the point is lost, than the audience will have difficulty determining an opinion. Stewart lucked out with the woman doctor’s interview, because she had the most reasonable and mature answer to the subject, and as the viewer, I was instantly sold on her words.