Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

Satire is not a tool for change. In fact the opposite as laughter sublimates the emotions that would otherwise lead to action (cf Orwell’s 1984).

However people are not always in a position to change things and satire can be a useful outlet for venting, but culturally can also be good for providing talking points.

Southpark and the Onion strike a chord with me the others less so, I think because they believe that they are agents for change.

I love John Oliver though. He follows up his rants with some sensible ideas sometimes. Not everyone’s cup of tea though for sure.




Consider applying for YC's Summer 2025 batch! Applications are open till May 13

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: