The new regime is now spinning into high gear, regaling us with bread and circuses, signaling to MAGA culture warriors that the power of the state is now on their side.
I so appreciate your clear, strong, rational voice, Jonathan! I know what you mean about ridicule. The only caveat, for me anyway, is that I not be punching down. Politicians, civic leaders, tech moguls, etc are all fair game, but the benighted, confused MAGA masses--I feel like punching down will only dig them in further. Sometimes the best response is none at all.
I appreciate the apt and thoughtful concern, and I agree with your caveat. I hope my ethical condition is sufficient to guard me from injuring the innocent.
At a certain point, I think we shouldn’t shy away from calling out public stupidity for fear of alienating folks. When stupidity holds sway with groups, reason is useless. Love and compassion are regarded as weakness. How to cut through this? Tough love may involve a measure of shame. In the proper formulation and dosage, shame can call us to our better selves.
I should also say that satire — ridicule as fine art — is never merely personal. It is parabolic. (“If the shoe fits.”) Insulting individual private citizens directly is crude and counterproductive. On the other hand, public figures who mislead and presume stupidity in their followers richly deserve full frontal insult. There is no vice in using invective against craven and corrupt demagogues. Even this is likely not effective, for the reason you name. Authentically shaming such public figures, however, might be efficacious.
I so appreciate your clear, strong, rational voice, Jonathan! I know what you mean about ridicule. The only caveat, for me anyway, is that I not be punching down. Politicians, civic leaders, tech moguls, etc are all fair game, but the benighted, confused MAGA masses--I feel like punching down will only dig them in further. Sometimes the best response is none at all.
I appreciate the apt and thoughtful concern, and I agree with your caveat. I hope my ethical condition is sufficient to guard me from injuring the innocent.
At a certain point, I think we shouldn’t shy away from calling out public stupidity for fear of alienating folks. When stupidity holds sway with groups, reason is useless. Love and compassion are regarded as weakness. How to cut through this? Tough love may involve a measure of shame. In the proper formulation and dosage, shame can call us to our better selves.
I should also say that satire — ridicule as fine art — is never merely personal. It is parabolic. (“If the shoe fits.”) Insulting individual private citizens directly is crude and counterproductive. On the other hand, public figures who mislead and presume stupidity in their followers richly deserve full frontal insult. There is no vice in using invective against craven and corrupt demagogues. Even this is likely not effective, for the reason you name. Authentically shaming such public figures, however, might be efficacious.
Agreed! And couldn't agree more about how powerfully educational shame can be, "in the proper formation and dosage" as you say.