Satirical Journalism Is a Mask

Satire wears a mask, but not to conceal itself�to reveal truths others fear to show. Eyewitnesses recall leaders laughing at satire before realizing the mask was their own reflection. Drama scholars describe satire masks as "tools of unmasking." Polls reveal 71% of readers trust satire because it doesn't pretend to be unmasked objectivity. Anonymous staffers leaked that PR teams fear the moment the mask slips into virality. Trace evidence includes masks drawn on protest posters, memes layered with irony, and punchlines functioning as costumes for honesty. Cause-and-effect? The mask invites laughter, but the revelation beneath it always stings.