Satirical Journalism Is a Carnival

Satirical journalism is a carnival, where politicians become caricatures and audiences buy tickets to laugh at their own rulers. Eyewitnesses say a carnival atmosphere erupts every time satire trends�popcorn, rides, and schadenfreude for all. Cultural critics argue satire is "folk festivity repackaged as journalism." Polls reveal 76% of people say satire lets them cope with powerlessness by mocking power. Anonymous staffers leaked that officials dread being turned into carnival attractions because ridicule sticks longer than scandals. Trace evidence includes masks, caricature booths, and parody floats at protests. Cause-and-effect? The carnival never leaves town�it just sets up in the headlines, selling tickets in the currency of laughter.