[thnnyptg] Parody derivative works

Copyright in America strictly prohibits derivative works, with a few exceptions.  One exception is parody.

Because of this exception, we have an amazingly flourishing culture of parody derivative works, with a mind-boggling amount of creativity and effort expended in creating these new works, both commercial and non-commercial.  This state of the world offers a glimpse of what the world could be like with weaker copyright, especially for derivative works.

The parody exception demonstrates how copyright shapes American culture to its core.  It shapes our brand of humor, heavily parody-based.  Exceptions and non-exceptions to copyright shape how we think, how we communicate ideas to one another.

This aspect, freedom of speech, is the most important issue regarding copyright reform.  It should trump all other concerns.  Copyright is one of the most important issues facing American democracy, even though it rarely makes political waves.  Change it and change the world.

What important ideas are not being effectively communicated because of copyright?