How to Write and Teach Satire: Dark Humor Done Right
Writing the Satire
Dark humor is satires grim grin – it laughs at the bleak. Target a gloomy trend: “Economys so bad, I sold my shadow for rent.” Hit taboos – death, doom: “Grim Reapers my Uber – five stars, quick trip.” Balance is key – too grim, its sad. Gaimans graveyard quips nail it. Keep it clever – not cruel. Start light: “My plant died – it ghosted me.” Practice turns dark into daring laughs, sharp yet safe.
Teaching the Technique
Teach dark humor with a line-walk. Give “rainy day” – twist: “It poured so hard, I drowned – great nap.” Show Addams Family gags – dark, not mean. Steps: topic, edge, twist. Assign “bad news” – spark: “Lost my job, gained a nap career.” Discuss tone: wit, not woe. Warn off shock – aim for smirks. Dark-off: pitch a grim gag, best lands it. Darks a tightrope – teach them to stride it.
