Question

Satire depends on the audience recognizing and agreeing with the satirist's implicit criticism of his or her target. How effective can satire be in shaping behavior or opinions if the audience is always in on the joke and thus never the target? Your answer should be at least 150 words.

Answer 1

Satire is a genre of literature in which individuals, corporation, government or society are ridiculed in purpose of constructive social criticism, using wit to draw attention to both particular and wider issues in society in order to correct or shape opinions and behavior. But, satire can’t be effective in shaping behavior or opinions if the audience is always in on the joke and never being targeted. The effectiveness of satiric work is mirrored in sole comprehension of the targeted group of individuals that they are wrong, and should correct their opinions and behavior. Many satiric writers believe that satires should be medicine disguised as candy, so it would be easier for targeted group to accept it. If only non-targeted audience comprehend the joke (main idea of satiric work), the satire would not be effective as they agree with author’s criticism and there is no need for them to correct their behavior nor their opinions.