Satire encourages critical thinking and reflection, using humour to soften its critique. It is designed to be entertaining yet thought-provoking. Sarcasm, in contrast, is more abrasive and goes for the quick laugh.

A stunning example of biting satire (pardon the pun) was Jonathan Swift’s shocking essay, A Modest Proposal, (1729), which highlighted British neglect and punitive policies towards Ireland. The suggestion was that impoverished Irish families could solve their economic woes by selling their babies to the rich who could cook and eat them. Outrageous satire, yes, but it is credited with sparking discussions about economic reforms and colonial oppression.

Charlie Chaplin’s The Great Dictator (1940), mocked Adolf Hitler and fascism at a time when many world leaders were hesitant to confront Nazi Germany. The film strengthened anti-Nazi sentiment, particularly in the U.S., and is considered to have contributed to the war effort because it altered the public perception of Hitler and his intentions.

On February 7, 2025, Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois released a video in which he announced plans to rename Lake Michigan to ‘Lake Illinois’ and annex Green Bay from Wisconsin. The video was all seriousness; flags are draped behind him, he’s at a podium, cameras appear to be flashing, he does not crack a smile. It was a brilliant way to satirize the recent executive order to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’. 

In a meme that was direct and dripping with sarcasm, Britain announced their intentions to rename the Atlantic Ocean, ‘Our Big Old F*#king Pond’. 

Satire or sarcasm, both carry a message and all underscore the power of art.

There will be no post next week while we break for the family day weekend.

Keep your joy.

Anne Milne is an every Sunday blogger, unless it’s a holiday weekend. Or summertime. 

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