Incredible essay, Lennie! You've perfectly explained the failings of so-called satire these days. That's exactly how I've been feeling about the Barbie movie, where satire is created by the very people we're supposed to be satirizing, and it just becomes a hollow depiction of capitalism's already extreme characteristics. I think a lot of people felt the same way about Black Mirror too. It seems like media is not as interested as it once was in offering thought-provoking satires. Thanks for writing this, it's so important!!💗
Mel, thank you so much for this comment! Totally agree with your insights here, I felt the same way about the Barbie movie. I just think satire misses the point when it's used as promotion rather than critique. The call is coming from inside the house! Also, generally disappointed with how mainstream satire underestimates audience capacity for engagement. I feel like Barbie and more recent Black Mirror are both guilty of this...like let me use my critical analysis skills and don't spoon feed me the joke! So glad you liked the piece :)
thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, eleanor! I totally agree, your comment reminds me of the trend in contemporary literature towards edginess or work that’s politically inflammatory, but lacking an underlying ideology beyond shock value or generating engagement. It’s a development that’s concerning and it’ll be interesting to survey the implications of that trend in both humor and writing. really appreciate you reading, love your work as well! 💌
Incredible essay, Lennie! You've perfectly explained the failings of so-called satire these days. That's exactly how I've been feeling about the Barbie movie, where satire is created by the very people we're supposed to be satirizing, and it just becomes a hollow depiction of capitalism's already extreme characteristics. I think a lot of people felt the same way about Black Mirror too. It seems like media is not as interested as it once was in offering thought-provoking satires. Thanks for writing this, it's so important!!💗
Mel, thank you so much for this comment! Totally agree with your insights here, I felt the same way about the Barbie movie. I just think satire misses the point when it's used as promotion rather than critique. The call is coming from inside the house! Also, generally disappointed with how mainstream satire underestimates audience capacity for engagement. I feel like Barbie and more recent Black Mirror are both guilty of this...like let me use my critical analysis skills and don't spoon feed me the joke! So glad you liked the piece :)
thank you so much for your thoughtful comment, eleanor! I totally agree, your comment reminds me of the trend in contemporary literature towards edginess or work that’s politically inflammatory, but lacking an underlying ideology beyond shock value or generating engagement. It’s a development that’s concerning and it’ll be interesting to survey the implications of that trend in both humor and writing. really appreciate you reading, love your work as well! 💌