"valid" seems like a strange word to use in this context, since what both Colbert and Moore do is use the freedom of their non-status to throw into question the validity of the messages coming from positions of power. Both are self-consciously posing as outsiders, adopting very particularly constructed individual characters through which to voice dissent. Moore poses as an emotional, passionate, man-on-the-street. Colbert poses as some kind of tightly wound right-wing psycho-freak. I would agree that Colbert's character is more transparent than Moore's. But while both are speaking to frustrated left-wing intellectuals, Moore is also explicitly speaking for frustrated low-income working class, and he is therefore less arch and self-reflexive.
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- sally mckay 5-03-2006 11:46 pm