Post-irony

The term post- irony (lat. post: behind, after; Greek εἰρωνεία, eironeía: deception, dissimulation ) denotes a differentiated attitude to the figure of irony.

Term

Analogous to the deconstruction of the " grand narratives " (eg, progress, reason, art) of modernity in the wake of postmodern discourse, particularly with regard to Jean -François Lyotard's report The Postmodern, the shape of the post- irony is critically reflect on the implications of a relativized notion of truth apart. While the traditional figure of irony could always refer to a positive, its relativization draws inevitable and logical consequences for his ironic complement by itself: the irony loses its original ambivalent function and is increasingly seen as mere rhetorical figure for the immunization of individual speech acts to the trivial trick: in reference to the possibility of irony definition and responsibility for what is said can be avoided. Post irony, however, is neither as the articulation of the desire for pre- ironic simplicity, yet misunderstood as strict anti - irony; rather, it is to be understood as meaningful recommendation for entertainment. A responsible approach which takes seriously irony - and this promises to make productive use again under the conditions of the present. All this includes a sense of humor is not enough.

Examples

"The Savage Girl" ( 2001)

In Alex Shacar settled in trend scout and advertising milieu debut novel "The Savage Girl " from the year 2001, the era of post- irony is announced that distinguishing by the phenomenon of doubt about doubt. The irony has always been powerful weapon of counter-culture, had degenerated to the central style means of advertising and have so lost their oppositional force. By " ironic seriousness " could of paralysis by the - be countered pervasive doubt - sometimes even to the end Cynical envelope. Shakar presents his concept of post -irony a possible solution to the dilemma: " postirony, the whole new era to come And if I'm right, everybody wins. . "

Com & Com (2008)

The Swiss artist duo Com & Com published in 2008 a so-called "post- ironic manifesto ". Especially in light of the fact that the artist until then made ​​their appearance in particular with ironic and provocative communication and action art, the recipient was forced to behave the form of irony itself. This fact opened for art as philosophy new access to supposedly belonging to the past issues and topics ( such as beauty, simplicity, creativity, sense-making or responsibility).