First Musings on Satire

            Over the last several months there’s been much commotion over the idea of parody or satire and their connection to western views on the freedom of speech.  I could easily discuss the events surrounding the satirical Charlie Hebdo, Hollywood’s The Interview, and John Oliver’s take on Ecuador’s Rafael Correa, for example.  I don’t normally have a problem with people saying what they believe.  After all, I was raised in America and I am very much a believer in the principles that underlie the Bill of Rights and our Constitution while also acknowledging their imperfections.  I accept the belief that we have an inalienable right to say what we want, to assemble, and to protest.  What I’m having trouble with, however, is understanding the role of satire in a society where I am encountering increasingly more ignorant people who can’t tell the difference between what’s real and what’s false because they simply aren’t familiar with the world around them.

            Among politically, historically or culturally aware audiences, I believe that satire can work quite well.  These readers or viewers can grasp the nuances of the humor involved or see the obvious contradictions in the fabricated stories being passed off as real in sources such as The Onion.  But, in the digital age of the 21^st century and at a time when people read fewer books and articles and more news blurbs and unfettered internet postings I am starting to see the dangers of putting satire out in the world for everyone to read.  I’ve had people tell me about how Pope Benedict has come out of the closet.  I’ve read articles that claim that Busch Gardens has built a 9,600-mile long roller coaster.  I’ve had colleagues tell me that California was purchased by Japan.  And, I’ve had friends talk about how Kanye West interrupted the Grammys yet again (oh wait, that one’s real?).  These all have the potential to be funny.  But, for whom?

            The problem with satire or parody is two-fold as far as I see it.  First, I try to live by the maxim “if you have nothing good to say, then don’t say anything.”  I really don’t see how poking fun at someone’s religious beliefs or trying to trivialize their “sacred cows” does anyone any good.  I am not talking about the things people do.  What I refer to is the dogma and belief systems on which people depend to live out their lives as best they can as good people.  It would never cross my mind to make fun of someone’s genuine idea of salvation even if I think it odd.  I wouldn’t urinate on a cross in front of a Christian.  Nor, would I kill a cow in the presence of a Hindu.  Maybe, it’s me, but I think they deserve that respect.  It’s my acknowledgment of their spiritual essence as people, as human beings, as beings with souls.  The academic in me, however, is willing to inquire about those beliefs and is willing to understand them.  After all, I probably believe in a few things that are very odd to others. 

            Second, I actually like some of the articles in Charlie Hebdo or The Onion, but I tend to know and understand what is real and what isn’t.  I don’t necessarily respect Bill Maher’s sense of humor, though I believe he has a right to say what he wants.  And therein lies my predicament.  When a satirist, however, rights a story that is supposed to read as parody, how many people can honestly see it as just satire? People aren’t as news savvy as we think.  People are gullible and they seem to want to believe anything that’s told to them, especially if it’s negative.  This is where the danger lies.  It creates false beliefs and often gives people hope where there is none.  In the case of religion, it causes people to be unsure about their own beliefs or practices.  In the case of politics, it can intensify prejudices or incite riots.  These are just some problems I can think of off the cuff, but all equally detestable I think.

            So, how do we balance the right to free speech with the right to dignity and respect?   In short, how do we prevent the bullying of people’s ideas and beliefs in a world where we are taught to treat others with respect?  I don’t know.  I honestly don’t.  Is it a matter of simple behavioral changes?  Does it require cultural sensitivity training?  Is it as easy as following our instincts to do right, to quote C.S. Lewis once again?  I acknowledge the right that you have to say what you want about me, but I also acknowledge that I can’t take it personally (especially if I’m in the public arena) in the way that President Correa reacted to Oliver’s comments. At what point should my right to say what I believe interfere with your right to live your life peacefully and non-judgmentally?  People are going to say what they’re going to say., but how I react to it is a different story and, I believe, has been a basic issue in all human communities across time.