Make 'em laugh
Satirists offer a line of defense against a rising authoritarian tide and corporate greed
Satire has long been a powerful tool for exposing corruption and challenging authoritarianism, from Mark Twain’s critiques of the Gilded Age to modern-day comedians and digital activists using humor to disrupt dominant narratives. However, as authoritarianism rises globally, satirists face increasing pushback, signaling an ongoing battle over their role in democracy.
WASHINGTON—In 1873, Mark Twain, the famed American writer, humorist, and essayist, published The Gilded Age: A Tale of Today with Charles Dudley. The book is a scathing portrait of political corruption in post-Civil War America, revealing the greed and moral decay lurking beneath the country’s rapid economic expansion and the consolidation of wealth. The Gilded Age would define an entire era, shedding light on some of the biggest challenges then and, surprisingly enough, today, as Americans deal with many of the same realities. As Twain often said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”
In Twain’s hands, humor cut through the pretenses of power to reveal uncomfortable truths, but even he could be checked by the powerful players of the day from time to time. For example, his short work, The War Prayer, which mocked the glorification of war and blind nationalism, was deemed too controversial to be published during his lifetime. It was published posthumously in 1916 during the First World War.
Since Twain, satirists—from modern-day comedians to digital meme creators—have carried on his legacy, using humor to challenge misinformation, expose abuses of power, and engage the public in political discourse. This is more important than ever as authoritarianism gains traction worldwide and corruption thrives in the shadows. Satire remains one of democracy’s most effective tools because, as Twain often illustrated, sometimes the most powerful truths are best told with a wink and a nod.
Not like Us
Satire is subversive by nature and can appear in the most unlikely places at the most surprising of times. Take the all-American Super Bowl, where just last week, during the Halftime Show, performing artist and Pulitzer Prize winner Kendrick Lamar was joined on the field by award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson, who appeared dressed as a larger-than-life version of Uncle Sam.
“But this wasn’t the patriotic, sanitized Uncle Sam of American folklore,” wrote Yesha Callahan for BET. “Jackson’s presence underscored the hypocrisy of a nation that embraces Black creativity but often rejects Black humanity. With a simple smirk and a few well-placed words— ‘Y’all love us when it’s profitable, huh?’—Jackson captured what millions of Black Americans feel every day. It was a moment of satire, but it was also a moment of truth.”
Much of the performance was directed at America’s political and corporate elite, who filled Cesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, that night, including President Donald Trump, the first sitting president to attend the game. But it was not the first time that Trump and his ilk have been on the receiving end of satire, nor will it be the last, and he doesn’t seem to like it one bit.
Comedian and late-night host Seth Meyers once reflected on working with Trump as a guest host of “Saturday Night Live” and wondered if Trump even could process comedy. Whether or not he could “get” a joke is unclear. However, it is clear that he has never liked being the butt of one, complaining about those jokes he felt were critical of him and taking to social media to grumble, time and time again. Colin Jost, who anchors the show’s “Weekend Update” segment, said this past weekend, “It’s an honor and a thrill to be hosting the 50th, and, if it was up to our president, the final season.”
During his first administration, Trump reportedly even went so far as to seek advice from his aides on how to use his executive powers to stop late-night comedy shows and hosts, including “Saturday Night Live,” Jimmy Kimmel, and others, from making jokes at his expense, according to reporting from The Daily Beast. In one social media post, he suggested retribution: “Should Federal Election Commission and/or FCC [the Federal Communications Commission] look into this?”
Satire Works
The United States Institute of Peace (USIP) has examined humor's role in disrupting dominant narratives and found that by providing alternative interpretations of reality, satire and political humor challenge the legitimacy of authoritarian rhetoric. "Humor can puncture the image of an all-powerful leader, making them appear fallible and ridiculous," notes USIP's analysis. This psychological shift can weaken the pillars of authoritarian rule, including public fear and blind loyalty.
The Democracy Resource Hub and the Horizons Project went further last year, showing that humor can place authoritarian regimes in "lose-lose" situations, particularly through “dilemma actions.” These actions force regimes to either react harshly—exposing their repressive nature—or ignore the ridicule, weakening their authority. “We found that nonviolent movements using dilemma actions had a 63% better success rate,” said Sophia McClennen, Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature at Pennsylvania State University.
In the digital age, humor spreads faster than ever, allowing activists to leverage memes and social media to challenge authoritarianism. A 2020 study published in International Political Science Review found that humor used in online protest movements humanizes dissenters and builds a sense of community. Digital satire not only exposes the hypocrisy of the powerful but also empowers people to continue resisting despite harsh crackdowns.
While humor can be an effective tool, it is not a silver bullet. Authoritarian regimes and people in power often retaliate against satirists, jailing comedians and banning political satire. The effectiveness of humor also depends on the audience; in deeply polarized societies like ours, satirical messaging may reinforce preexisting beliefs rather than change minds. A hyper-fragmented media ecosystem driven by algorithms could also prevent satire from reaching a broad and diverse audience.
Not Everyone is Laughing
Just last month, Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist Ann Telnaes announced that she had resigned from The Washington Post after the newspaper refused to publish a satirical cartoon depicting billionaire Post owner Jeff Bezos on bended knee in front of President-elect Donald Trump. Fellow billionaires, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg and others, and the Disney character Mickey Mouse flanked him.
Talnaes, who had been with the paper for over a decade, wrote on her Substack announcing her resignation that, “I have had editorial feedback and productive conversations—and some differences—about cartoons I have submitted for publication, but in all that time I’ve never had a cartoon killed because of who or what I chose to aim my pen at. Until now.”
Just last week, President Trump fired the Board of the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., replacing it with political supporters and installing himself as chairman. The fallout has been swift, with the Kennedy Center canceling the Helen Hayes Award-nominated tour of Finn, which has LGBTQ+ themes at odds with the administration’s, and a performance of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington with the National Symphony Orchestra. Emmy-nominated actress and comedian Issa Rae canceled her sold-out show in protest.
“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” Rae said.
The Kennedy Center is home to The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, which recognizes individuals who have impacted American society in ways similar to its distinguished namesake. This year’s honoree, Emmy-award-winning comedian, podcaster, and former late-night host Conan O’Brien, will become the 26th person to receive the award on March 23rd. He’s been an outspoken critic of Trump since his first term in office.
With the change of leadership at the Kennedy Center, it’s anyone’s guess if the event will go as planned or if it will be scrubbed for a kinder, gentler version that appeals to the president’s sensitivities. Regardless of what happens, it may signal more of what’s to come.
“Authoritarians succeed when their extremism and exceptionalism —the violence, the theft, the disregard for human lives other than their own— is normalized,” warned historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat on her popular Substack,
. “Humor that calls this out can be deeply validating. Political satire is not only funny, but also sound anti-authoritarian strategy.”
As John Oliver rightfully noted at the end of his last year's season the new administration will certainly provide lot's of good material to work with. Not surprisingly the satirists are having a field day .