Here's why:
* Ridicule and Criticism: Satire often employs humor to expose flaws, hypocrisy, or absurdity in individuals, institutions, or society as a whole. This can be achieved through exaggeration, irony, sarcasm, and parody.
* Purpose: The ultimate goal of satire is not just to entertain, but also to provoke thought and inspire change. By highlighting the ridiculousness of certain behaviors or beliefs, satirists aim to bring about social commentary and reform.
Examples of satire:
* Political cartoons: These often use humor to criticize politicians and their policies.
* "Saturday Night Live" skits: Many of these skits use humor to poke fun at current events and cultural trends.
* Jonathan Swift's "A Modest Proposal": This famous satirical essay suggests that Irish parents should sell their children as food to solve the poverty problem.
It's important to remember that:
* While satire uses humor, it can be sharp and biting.
* Not everyone finds satire funny, and it can be controversial.
* The effectiveness of satire depends on the writer's skill and the audience's understanding.