Satire is the art of bringing attention to a particular problem, inconvenience or issue by mixing criticism with humor. Current events are a primary focus of satire, because most people who write or stage satire try to awaken consciousness and entertain at the same time. Modern satire on current affairs events can be found both in television shows and in publications, usually weekly. Write satire on current events knowing both the events and your audience, documenting all the points of view of the current event you want to ridicule and developing an argument.
Steps
Step 1. Read up on current events
In order to write a satire on current events, you will need to understand the most important issues of the day.
Read newspapers, blogs, and websites that chronicle the day's news and offer commentary. He also watches television, especially information channels such as RaiNews24
Step 2. Keep your knowledge up to date
The developments of current events change and evolve rapidly, and thanks to instant internet access, your audience will know the news in real time.
Step 3. Choose a topic to satirize about
Most satires of current events are based on a political issue, an event or a person.
- Examine the competition. Many satirists will write about the latest celebrities, elections and controversies. Picking a topic that is relevant but gets less attention may be a wise strategy.
- Choose a topic that interests you. Since you will have to read up, think and write about it, your interest is necessary. For example, if you are interested in equality, write a satire about gay marriage or constructive discrimination. If you are a fan of environmental issues, write one about climate change.
Step 4. Write for your audience
You want people to read your satire, so keep it simple and make sure your audience understands what you are saying.
Know the demographics of your audience. Writing satire that interests single professionals is great, unless the people reading your work are elderly married and retired couples
Step 5. Create an attention-grabbing title for your satire
Readers are saturated with news about current events, so make sure your headline reflects something they'll want to read.
Be fun and timely. For example, right after the Olympics, the American satirical weekly The Onion ran a story titled "Michael Phelps Returns to His Tub at SeaWorld"
Step 6. Write with your goal in mind
Your purpose may be to awaken consciousness on an issue or to solve a problem.
- Help the public consider problems they may not be aware of by ridiculing them or addressing the terrible solutions that are currently being adopted.
- Get your readers to take action. There shouldn't be a specific call to action in your writing, but using words and humor to encourage people to change the way they think or act is part of a well-written satire.
Step 7. Make people laugh
Your humor doesn't have to be offensive, but entertaining your readers with insight will help your writing gain resonance.
Step 8. Avoid offending people
While some might be disgusted by the satire you write, you better never exhibit bad taste. Do not foment religious, racial or social tension.
Step 9. Take some time to review your work
Reread it to make sure it makes sense, is well written, and achieves your goal.
Step 10. Publish your satire
Present your work to blogs, newspapers, magazines and other publications, print and online, that cover current events
Step 11. Study good satire on current events
For example, in 2010 The Daily Show organized a "Rally to Restore Sanity" and The Colbert Report replied with a "Rally to Keep Fear Alive" in response to Glenn Beck's "Rally to Restore Honor".
Step 12. Read satire every day
The Huffington Post, an online newspaper that publishes blogs, videos and stories (also in Italian), features a daily humorous page that includes satirical pieces.
