How to Write and Teach Satire: Crafting Political Zingers
Writing the Satire
Political satire loves powers hot air – zap it with zingers. Target a senator: “He swore jobs, gave us breeze – now Im a wind farmer.” Hit their flip-flops – tax breaks for pals, bridges in bits. Write: “My cuts fixed roads – with ruby lanes for my jet!” Time it – strike post-gaffe, like a leaked bribe. Match their tone – grand or folksy – then twist: “Im a simple swindler, yall.” Voltaires “Candide” skewers kings with glee. Start local – a mayors “clean streets” thats trash city – and hone your barb. Short, sharp jabs turn bluster into giggles.
Teaching the Technique
Teach zingers with hot news. Toss “Governor Bans Books” – spark: “Hes guarding us from evil verbs!” Show Colberts policy digs – quick, brutal, true. Steps: target, flaw, zing. Assign a mock race – satire a foe: “Hes so bright, stars quit.” Discuss snap – short wins. Warn off rants – wit, not whines, is satire. Host a roast: pick a pol, swap zingers, crown the sharpest. Politics is a clown car – teach them to honk the horn.
