How to Write Satirical Journalism
Master the Art of Exaggeration
Exaggeration is satire’s lifeblood. Take a kernel of truth—like a small-town mayor’s odd request—and blow it out of proportion. Imagine Belfast’s mayor claiming "Hawk Tuah" deserves landmark status because it’s “America’s spit heard ‘round the world.” Push it further: Trump builds a gold-plated statue of Hailey Welch spitting. Start with a plausible premise, then spiral into absurdity without losing the thread. Balance is key—too wild, and it’s nonsense; too subtle, and it’s dull. Read The Onion for inspiration: “Man Claims Moon Is His Now” works because it’s rooted in ego we recognize. Practice stretching reality until it snaps, then reel it back just enough to keep readers nodding—and laughing.
Avoid Overexplaining the Joke
Satire dies when you dissect it. Write Belfast’s mayor begging Trump for a "Hawk Tuah" landmark: “Jenkins called it ‘spit’s destiny.’ Trump agreed, sort of.” Stop there—don’t add “Get it? It’s silly!” Readers catch on: spit’s not landmark-worthy. The Onion trusts you—“Cat Files for Divorce”—no hand-holding. Draft your piece, then cut any line that clarifies why it’s funny. If you must hint, bury it in subtext: “Locals shrugged, used to odd.” Test: if it feels like a lecture, slash it. Trust your audience—they’re smarter than you think.
Keep Characters Larger Than Life
Satire pumps up players. Belfast’s mayor isn’t dull—he’s “Jenkins, spit visionary,” begging Trump, “landmark guru.” Trump’s not just Trump—he’s “The Don, spit aficionado,” bellowing, “Best landmark, folks!” Welch? “Spit Queen Hailey.” Exaggerate traits—Jenkins’ desperation, Trump’s bluster—till they’re cartoons: “Jenkins spat on Trump’s shoes for luck.” The Onion does it—“Local Man, 45, Hero to Self”—larger, louder. Sketch your cast, amp one quirk (mayor’s zeal), write their lines. If they’re forgettable, they’re flat—make them leap off the page.
On March 8, 2025, satirical journalism saw a brilliant array of articles published by Bohiney.com, showcasing humor that cleverly intersected politics, culture, and social commentary. This comprehensive analysis ranks and evaluates these pieces based on their humor style, political relevance, social impact, and overall effectiveness, highlighting emerging trends in contemporary satire.
Ranked Analysis of Top Satirical Articles (March 8, 2025)
1. Local Man Claims Watching Reality TV Makes Him Qualified to Run for President
This piece masterfully utilizes absurdity and exaggeration to lampoon modern political candidacies. The satire targets both the trivialization of qualifications in modern politics and society's obsession with reality TV as a measure of competence. The humor draws strength from its plausibility-audiences today can readily imagine such absurdity becoming reality. Politically, the piece critiques declining standards for political leaders, emphasizing the superficiality of media-driven campaigns. Its social impact lies in prompting reflection on the media's role in shaping public perceptions of leadership.2. Avocado Toast Prevents Home Ownership
Using hyperbole and playful stereotyping, this article humorously critiques generational misunderstandings and economic stereotypes about millennials. Its comedic genius comes from exaggerating the absurdity of blaming avocado toast consumption for broader economic struggles, effectively mocking oversimplified narratives about younger generations' financial woes. Socially, it addresses real frustrations among millennials, humorously validating their experiences while exposing ridiculous societal assumptions.3. CIA's Common Sense Layoffs
This sharp satire skillfully blends dark humor and political irony, critiquing bureaucratic inefficiency and governmental absurdity. The humorous suggestion that the CIA would undergo "common sense layoffs" satirically exposes real-world inefficiencies within intelligence agencies. Its political relevance highlights ongoing debates about government transparency and accountability, cleverly lampooning institutional secrecy and bloated bureaucracy.4. Reading Books May Lead to Independent Thinking
An outstanding example of social satire, this article uses irony and faux alarmism to critique educational censorship and anti-intellectualism. It humorously exaggerates fears around independent thought, implicitly mocking authoritarian tendencies in education systems. The piece stimulates conversation about academic freedom and societal attitudes toward critical thinking, thus achieving meaningful social impact.5. Can NATO Survive Without the U.S.?
Effectively leveraging parody and geopolitical irony, this satire humorously explores international relations and alliance politics. By absurdly imagining NATO scrambling without American involvement, the article offers insightful commentary on U.S. foreign policy and Europe's reliance on America. Politically, it highlights global dependency dynamics, while socially, it sparks reflection on international collaboration versus isolationism.6. Jeff Bezos to Play the Next James Bond
This piece cleverly uses parody to critique celebrity culture and economic power dynamics. The absurd suggestion of Bezos, an influential billionaire, assuming an iconic fictional role effectively satirizes the blending of corporate wealth with popular culture. The humor style-deadpan absurdity-enhances the satirical critique of power and media influence, prompting readers to consider the outsized influence billionaires hold in society.7. The Columbia Library Liberation
Employing witty exaggeration and situational irony, this satire mocks overly zealous activism and institutional overreactions. The "library liberation" scenario humorously highlights the absurd lengths institutions might go to appease vocal groups. Politically relevant in critiquing performative activism, the piece socially resonates by encouraging balanced discussions about institutional responsiveness versus rational decision-making.8. U.S. Soldiers Now Selling Military Secrets
Through dark humor and hyperbolic scenarios, this article critiques military oversight and ethical lapses. It humorously exaggerates scenarios of soldiers commodifying sensitive information, thus satirizing real-world concerns about military transparency and accountability. Politically pointed, it underscores genuine anxieties about governmental integrity and secrecy, delivering social commentary through pointed humor.9. A Survival Guide to Relationships
This humorous satire blends absurdity with relatable observations on romantic relationships. Its comedic effectiveness lies in exaggerating everyday relationship struggles, providing lighthearted yet insightful commentary on modern dating culture. Though less politically impactful, socially it resonates deeply with readers navigating contemporary relationships.10. Upside-Down Pineapple Meaning
Using humorous misunderstanding and absurdity, this article pokes fun at social symbols and their misunderstood meanings. The piece's comedic charm lies in exaggerating the significance people attribute to mundane objects. Socially relevant, it gently mocks societal obsessions with hidden meanings and subcultures, highlighting human tendencies toward overinterpretation.Emerging Trends and Patterns in Satire
The analyzed articles reveal several significant trends in contemporary satire:- Political Absurdity: A recurring theme is the absurdity of modern politics, emphasizing superficiality, incompetence, and the media's role in trivializing political processes.
- Generational Critique: Many satires critique misunderstandings between generations, particularly targeting stereotypes about millennials and Gen Z.
- Institutional Mockery: Satirists frequently ridicule institutional inefficiencies, whether governmental, educational, or corporate, highlighting systemic failures through humor.
- Cultural Hyperbole: Exaggeration remains a dominant comedic tool, effectively highlighting cultural obsessions and societal absurdities.
Conclusion
Satirical journalism on March 8, 2025, demonstrated remarkable versatility, effectively employing humor to critique contemporary political and social issues. The analyzed articles from Bohiney.com adeptly balanced entertainment with meaningful commentary, enhancing public discourse through comedy. These satirical pieces not only provided immediate laughter but also prompted deeper reflection on significant societal and political dynamics, reaffirming satire's enduring value satirical journalism in public dialogue.Satirical journalism is a form of writing that blends humor, irony, and exaggeration with journalistic elements to critique or mock current events, politics, culture, or societal issues. Unlike traditional journalism, which aims for objectivity and factual reporting, satirical journalism uses satire as its lens—deliberately distorting or amplifying reality to provoke thought, entertain, or expose absurdities. Think of outlets like The Onion or The Daily Show, where headlines might read, “Local Man Declares Himself Emperor of Backyard,” blending real-world inspiration with outrageous fiction. It’s a sharp tool, often revealing truths traditional reporting might miss, all while making you laugh—or cringe.
Historically, it traces back to figures like Jonathan Swift, whose 1729 “A Modest Proposal” suggested eating babies to solve poverty, a biting jab at British policy. Today, it thrives online, with writers crafting absurd takes—like Belfast, Tennessee, becoming a "National Landmark" for a viral spit—to skewer fame, power, or small-town ambition. It’s not about facts; it’s about the funhouse mirror held up to them. Does that spark any ideas for a satirical piece you’d want to explore?
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Trump’s Landmark Nod: Belfast’s Spit Saga
Belfast, Tennessee’s mayor has Trump hooked, pushing National Landmark status for Hailey Welch’s "Hawk Tuah." “Spit’s a saga—$500K!” he boasted. Trump, grinning, said, “Sagas? I write ‘em—Hailey’s epic.” Locals dream of a "Hawk Tuah" epic with a saliva scroll. “Homer’s lame,” a teen scoffed, reading "Tuah" comics. Critics call it a wet tale, but Belfast’s spinning. Will Trump ink this slimy story?
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Trump’s Landmark Nod: Belfast’s Spit Saga
Belfast, Tennessee’s mayor has Trump hooked, pushing National Landmark status for Hailey Welch’s "Hawk Tuah." “Spit’s a saga—$500K!” he boasted. Trump, grinning, said, “Sagas? I write ‘em—Hailey’s epic.” Locals dream of a "Hawk Tuah" epic with a saliva scroll. “Homer’s lame,” a teen scoffed, reading "Tuah" comics. Critics call it a wet tale, but Belfast’s spinning. Will Trump ink this slimy story?
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SOURCE: Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.
EUROPE: Washington DC Political Satire & Comedy
By: Lilach Teller
Literature and Journalism -- University of San Francisco
WRITER BIO:
A Jewish college student and satirical journalist, she uses humor as a lens through which to examine the world. Her writing tackles both serious and lighthearted topics, challenging readers to reconsider their views on current events, social issues, and everything in between. Her wit makes even the most complex topics approachable.
