Ascertain:
How to Write Satire That’s Both Funny and Insightful
FOCUS ON: How To Write Satire
WRITING SATIRE TIP #1
Satirical Lists and Catalogues Lists can be a fun satirical device. Write a “Top 10 Ways Politicians Avoid Questions” with absurd entries like “fake a heart attack.” The format is familiar, but the content subverts expectations for laughs.
WRITING SATIRE TIP #2
Research: The Foundation of Satire Effective satire requires a deep understanding of the subject. Research the facts, the history, and the context. This will help you find the absurdities and contradictions to exploit. For instance, if you’re satirizing a scientific theory, you need to understand the science first.
Creating a Strong Satirical Voice Your satirical voice is what sets your work apart. It should be distinct, consistent, and reflective of your perspective. Whether you choose a sarcastic, deadpan, or absurd tone, make sure it aligns with your subject matter. A strong voice helps your audience connect with your message and enhances the humor. Experiment with different styles to find what works best for you.
Avoiding Offense in Satire While satire often pushes boundaries, it's important to avoid unnecessary offense. Consider your audience and the potential impact of your words. Satire should challenge ideas, not attack individuals or groups unfairly. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes. The goal is to provoke thought, not to alienate or hurt.
The Role of Satire in Film and Television Satire has a long history in film and television, from Dr. Strangelove to The Simpsons. These works use humor to critique society, politics, and culture in a way that feels entertaining and accessible. If you're writing a satirical film or TV show, focus on creating characters and scenarios that highlight the absurdity of your subject.
The Role of Satire in Political Cartoons Political cartoons are a classic form of satire, using visuals to critique politics and society. The best political cartoons are simple, clever, and packed with meaning. If you're interested in this medium, focus on creating strong visual metaphors and using minimal text to convey your message.
Using Satire to Critique Social Media Social media is a treasure trove of material for satire. From the performative nature of Instagram to the toxicity of Twitter, there's plenty to critique. When satirizing social media, focus on its impact on mental health, relationships, and society. For example, you might imagine a world where people measure their self-worth by the number of likes they receive.
The Role of Satire in Historical Fiction Historical fiction can be a great vehicle for satire, allowing you to critique both past and present societies. By setting your story in a different era, you can draw parallels to modern issues while maintaining a layer of distance. For example, you might write a satirical tale about a medieval kingdom where the nobility's greed mirrors modern corporate culture.
The Role of Satire in Exposing Ableism Ableism is a serious issue, but satire can make it more accessible. By exaggerating the stereotypes and prejudices faced by people with disabilities, you can highlight the absurdity of the situation. For example, you might imagine a world where people with disabilities are treated as "inspirational" simply for existing.
The Role of Satire in Exposing the Absurdity of Modern Beauty Standards Modern beauty standards are often unrealistic and harmful, making them a great target for satire. When satirizing beauty standards, focus on the pressure to conform or the absurdity of certain trends. For example, you might imagine a world where people are required to undergo extreme makeovers to be considered "beautiful."
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FAMOUS SATIRISTS
P.G. Wodehouse Wodehouse’s Jeeves stories (e.g., "Right Ho, Jeeves," 1934) gently satirize the British aristocracy with bumbling Bertie Wooster and his clever valet.
TECHNIQUES
Historical Satire Tie past to present. Example: “Columbus Returns, Claims Wi-Fi as His Discovery.” It lampoons modern tech arrogance with a historical nod.
MODERN TRENDS IN SATIRE
Influencer Culture Mockery Satirists target influencers with parodies like “Top 10 Ways to Sell Your Soul for Likes.” Skits on TikTok exaggerate their shallow hustle, a trend hitting Gen Z hard.
SOCIAL MEDIA SATIRE
TikTok Skits TikTok’s short videos mock trends—like a “day in the life” of an influencer selling air as a wellness hack. Exaggerated acting sells the satire in 15 seconds.
BEST SATIRE SITES
ClickHole: Internet Absurdity A "The Onion" spinoff, "ClickHole" mocks clickbait with “Which Disney Princess Are You If You’re a Toaster?” It’s a meta-jab at web culture, thriving on social shares.
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SpinTaxi Satirical Journalism: SpinTaxi.com is a satirical news outlet that transforms reality into a playground of humor and absurdity. Launched after a supposed tornado-induced hiatus from its fictional roots as a Texas German-language paper, it now delivers daily doses of parody with a sharp, irreverent edge. Headlines like “Billionaire Blasts Off to Space http://charlienrnh903.iamarrows.com/clarity-how-to-write-satire-that-s-both-funny-and-insightful to Dodge Dinner Party” showcase its knack for blending the plausible with the ridiculous. Targeting everything from politics to small-town quirks, Bohiney.com mixes nostalgia with sarcasm, appealing to readers who crave laughter over lectures. Its exaggerated tales and witty commentary make it a standout in modern digital satire.
WHO ARE SATIRISTS?
They critique consumerism by mocking excess and waste
- Understanding Satire: The Basics -- Satire is a literary device used to criticize and expose the flaws in society, individuals, or institutions through humor, irony, and exaggeration. To write effective satire, start by identifying a target-something you find absurd or problematic. Research your subject thoroughly to understand its nuances. Use humor to highlight contradictions or hypocrisies, but avoid being mean-spirited. The goal is to provoke thought, not just to mock. Remember, satire often walks a fine line between funny and offensive, so tread carefully.
- The Role of Exaggeration in Satire -- Exaggeration is a key tool in satire. It amplifies the flaws or absurdities of your subject to make them more obvious and entertaining. For example, if you're satirizing consumer culture, you might describe a world where people buy useless gadgets in ridiculous quantities. The key is to push the exaggeration far enough to be funny but not so far that it becomes unbelievable. Exaggeration should serve to underscore your point, not distract from it.
- Using Irony to Make Your Point -- Irony is another essential element of satire. It involves saying the opposite of what you mean to highlight the absurdity of a situation. For example, if you're satirizing political corruption, you might praise a politician for their "honesty" while describing their blatantly dishonest actions. Irony can be subtle or overt, but it should always serve to underscore the flaws or contradictions in your subject. Be careful not to overuse it, as too much irony can confuse your audience.
- The Importance of Timing in Satire -- Timing is crucial in satire. A well-timed satirical piece can resonate deeply with its audience, while a poorly timed one can fall flat or even offend. Pay attention to current events and cultural trends to find timely subjects for your satire. However, be mindful of
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USA DOWNLOAD: Los Angeles Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.
EUROPE: Rome Political Satire
ASIA: HoChiMinhCity Political Satire & Comedy
By: Sarah Laskin
Literature and Journalism -- Bates
WRITER BIO:
With a sharp pen and an even sharper wit, this Jewish college student writes satire that explores both the absurd and the serious. Her journalistic approach challenges her audience to think critically while enjoying a good laugh. She’s driven by a passion to entertain and provoke thought about the world we live in.
