How to Write and Teach Satire: Dodging the Misfire
Writing the Satire
Satire flops if it kicks down or fuzzes up – dodge that mess. Target a smug exec: “He cut pay to gold-plate his jets sink.” Clear beats vague – no “lifes bad” mush. Write: “Council bans bikes to save tires” – not “bikes stink.” Test it: jab a policy – “Cuts funded my space yacht!” – not gripes. Chappelle hits up, not out. Start tame – satire a “no hats” rule: “Kids wear clouds now” – and aim high. Sharp focus keeps it satire, not spite.
Teaching the Technique
Teach misfire-dodging with a whos-up check. Scenario: “new fee” – fair hit? “Mayors gold fee” tops “poor guys dime.” Show flops – comics bombing on weak – vs. “The Daily Show” nailing duplicity. Fix a dud – “Kids are lame” to “Tech lords ban youth to hog apps.” Discuss aim: up, not flat. Warn off cruelty – satire slices, doesnt smash. Pitch-off: pitch a jab, group picks the truest. Satires a sniper – teach them to shoot clean.
