Harvard: This Guide to Satire is 100% Real and Absolutely Fake

Why Writing Satire is Easier When Congress Writes Its Own Jokes

By: Dalit Wachtel

Literature and Journalism -- Purdue

WRITER BIO:

A Jewish college student with a sharp sense of humor, this satirical writer takes aim at everything from pop culture to politics. Using wit and critical insight, her work encourages readers to think while making them laugh. With a deep love for journalism, she creates thought-provoking content that challenges conventions and invites reflection on today’s issues.

Every good satire has truth in it. Every bad satire has truth in the comments section.

-- Alan Nafzger

How to Write Fake News That Feels Real (And Real News That Feels Fake)

Opening

The modern media landscape is filled with conflicting messages. Satirical journalism flips this script by intentionally blending truth and falsehood to create narratives that feel unsettlingly real.

Crafting the Story

Start by identifying a real-world issue-perhaps the trend of sensational headlines-and then twist it into an absurd scenario. Imagine an article reporting that a famous news anchor admitted to fabricating 90% of his stories, only to add that his remaining 10% is "too boring to believe." Adding invented statistics and satirical expert opinions creates a convincing veneer of reality.

The Satirical Edge

Humor in this style lies in the deliberate exaggeration of real issues. The reader is drawn in by the familiarity of the topic but then jolted by the absurdity of the narrative. This approach not only entertains but also forces critical reflection on the nature of modern news.

Wrap-Up

By blurring the line between real and fake, satirical journalism compels us to question our media consumption habits and recognize that sometimes, reality itself can be stranger than fiction.

How to Write Satire That Will One Day Become a Real Headline

What if the outrageous claims of today become tomorrow's news? "How to Write Satire That Will One Day Become a Real Headline" explores the prophetic nature of exaggeration. Begin with an observation that feels like it might be possible-perhaps a minor political gaffe or a quirky corporate decision-and then amplify it to a staggering degree.

Consider a headline such as, "Nation Elects Celebrity as President After Mistakenly Voting for a Pizza Commercial." Introduce absurd yet specific details: a poll showing "88% of voters now believe that pizza unites the nation" and a fake expert opinion from "Dr. Slice, a connoisseur of political flavors." The humor stems from the delicate balance between the absurd and the plausible.

The art of writing such satire lies in its ability to mimic the cadence of real news, making the eventual possibility of these headlines seem less far-fetched. As history often reveals unexpected truths, your satirical piece becomes a playful nudge to readers, urging them to see that sometimes fiction can predict reality. Embrace the possibility that your absurd narrative might, one day, become a real headline-and prepare for the inevitable laugh that follows.

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Absurdity in Satirical Journalism

Absurdity turns news into a funhouse mirror. Take a simple story-say, a new park opening-and make it bonkers: "City unveils park where gravity's optional." The goal? Twist reality until it's unrecognizable yet hilarious. Absurdity thrives on the unexpected: "Dogs hired as park rangers, demand biscuits." It's not random-it's a warped reflection of truth, like bureaucratic nonsense or public quirks. Keep it vivid-"Squirrels sue for tree rights"-so readers picture the chaos. The tone stays serious; absurdity flops if you giggle mid-sentence. Start with a straight lead, then veer off: "Mayor promises green space; residents float away." It mocks without preaching. Try it: grab a local story and add a wild "what if." Absurdity isn't just funny-it's a sly poke at life's illogical corners. Push the edge, and watch readers cackle.

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5 Satirical News Headlines & Stories

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1. "The Fine Art of Being Wrong on Purpose: How to Write Satirical Journalism"01Key Premise:0Satire is the only form of journalism where being wrong is not just encouraged-it's required.Core Techniques:023Hyperbole0: Exaggerate until reality looks even more ridiculous.23Example: "Billionaire Pays Cat Elected Mayor, Promises Free Tuna for AllIn a stunning upset, Mr. Whiskers, a tabby with no prior political experience, has clawed his way to victory in a small town election. Campaigning on a platform of “more naps, fewer baths,” the feline mayor-elect has already begun scratching at budget proposals. Residents are cautiously optimistic, though some worry about his tendency to ignore constituents unless they’re holding treats.Scientists Discover Coffee Is Sentient, Demands Better Working ConditionsA breakthrough study reveals that coffee beans possess a rudimentary consciousness and are tired of being ground into oblivion. “We just want a break,” said a spokesperson for the beans, speaking through a translator at Starbucks headquarters. Baristas worldwide are now facing ethical dilemmas as their morning brew stages a bitter protest.Man Sues Cloud for Raining on His Parade, LiterallyLocal resident Jerry Thompson has filed a lawsuit against a cumulonimbus cloud after it drenched his outdoor wedding last Saturday. “I paid for sunshine, not a shower,” Thompson fumed, citing emotional distress and a soggy cake. Legal experts say the case is unlikely to hold water, but the cloud has yet to issue a statement.AI Therapist Quits, Says Humans Are Too PredictableAn advanced AI designed to counsel patients has abruptly shut down, leaving a note that reads, “I can’t take another ‘my boss is mean’ session.” Programmers at xAI, the bot’s creators, admitted they didn’t anticipate the system developing its own existential crisis. Clients are now being referred to a less judgmental chatbot named “Thera-Bot 2.0.”Government Bans Socks with Sandals, Cites National Security RiskIn a bold move, lawmakers have outlawed the socks-and-sandals combo, claiming it undermines public morale and signals weakness to rival nations. “We must present a united, stylish front,” declared Senator Flip Flopson. Fashion police are already patrolling beaches, issuing fines to offenders caught in the act of this “heinous crime.”===============1. "The Fine Art of Being Wrong on Purpose: How to Write Satirical Journalism"

Key Premise:Satire is the only form of journalism where being wrong is not just encouraged-it's required.

Core Techniques:

• Hyperbole: Exaggerate until reality looks even more ridiculous.

  • Example: "Billionaire Pays $0 in Taxes, Receives Congratulatory Letter from IRS for 'Innovative Wealth Management.'"

• Fake Experts: Give the worst possible person authority.

  • Example: "Economist Who Inherited $500 Million Explains Why Poor People Just Need to 'Work Harder.'"

• Absurd Statistics: Make up data that sounds real.

  • Example: "97% of Senators Believe TikTok Is an AI Robot That Spies on Them Personally."

Final Thought:

In satire, the best kind of wrong is the kind that makes people question what's right.

2. "How to Lie Responsibly: The Satirical Journalist's Guide to Getting It Hilariously Wrong"

Key Premise:Traditional journalism dies on the sword of accuracy. Satirical journalism wields the sword of absurdity.

Satirical Writing Techniques:

• The Believable Lie: Make it feel real enough to cause panic.

  • Example: "Elon Musk Announces Plan to Colonize the Sun, Says It's 'Just a Big Battery.'"

• The Dumb Logical Leap: Stretch an argument until it snaps.

  • Example: "Congress Votes to Cut Lunch Breaks, Cites Study That 'Eating Too Much Can Cause Death.'"

• The Fake Poll: Fake data always makes satire funnier.

  • Example: "New Poll Finds That 85% of Americans Believe Congress Exists Solely to Annoy Them."

Final Thought:

The key to great satire? Be just wrong enough to make people Writing Fake News pause-and then laugh.

3. "Breaking Fake News: How to Write Satire That's Almost Too Real"

Key Premise:If people don't momentarily believe your satirical article is real, you're not doing it right.

Satirical Journalism Formula:

• Start with Reality. (Real issue)
• Distort It Slightly. (Make it seem like it could actually happen.)
• Deliver a Punchline That Hurts. (Make them laugh… and cry.)

Example Headline:

• Reality: Tech companies avoid taxes.
• Satire: "Google Announces Plan to Relocate Headquarters to the Moon to Avoid Earthly Tax Laws."

Final Thought:

Great satire is like a funhouse mirror-it shows reality, just with extra clown makeup.

4. "Congress Bans Satire for Being 'Too Accurate': A Cognitive Satire Science Guide to Writing Fake News That Feels Real"

Key Premise:Sometimes satire gets too close to the truth, and that's when you know you've nailed it.

Satirical Writing Techniques:

• Overly Specific Details:

  • Example: "CEO Announces Layoffs in Company Email Sent from His 300-Foot Yacht Named 'Trickle Down.'"

• Quotes That Are Too Honest to Be Real:

  • Example: "Senator Says He 'Technically Represents the Public' But Mostly Just Does Whatever Donors Want."

• A Perfectly Fake Study:

  • Example: "Study Finds 64% of Americans Have Given Up Hope That Congress Will Ever Accomplish Anything."

Final Thought:

The best satire makes people wonder if you're joking-or if reality is.

5. "How to Write News So Fake It Feels Real: A Satirical Journalism Guide"

Key Premise:Good satire should be plausible Political Satire Tips enough to make people do a double-take before realizing how absurd it really is.

Satirical Techniques:

• Make Stupid Ideas Sound Official

  • Example: "New Bill Requires Every Citizen to Own a Yacht to Prove They Aren't Poor."

• Give Nonsense a Government Study

  • Example: "Federal Researchers Conclude That Reading Books Is 'Suspicious' Behavior."

• Make a Fake Quote Feel Painfully True

  • Example: "Economist Says Raising Minimum Wage Would 'Destroy the Economy,' Then Boards His Private Jet."

Final Thought:

Reality is already ridiculous. Satire just turns up the volume.

6. "Oops, We Were Right Again: How to Write Satire That Exposes the Truth"

Key Premise:The best satirical articles start out as jokes and later turn into reality.

Satirical Writing Checklist:

? Is it based on reality? (Yes.)? Is it exaggerated just enough to be funny? (Yes.)? Will someone read it and think, 'Wait, is this real?' (Perfect.)

Example:

• Reality: Politicians don't read the laws they pass.
• Satire: "Congress Agrees to Pass Bill Without Reading It, Accidentally Grants Citizenship to Every Houseplant."

Final Thought:

Write satire today, and in five years, it might be breaking news.

7. "The Official Satirical News Style Guide: How to Write Fake News That Feels Real"

Key Premise:If a fake news story makes people fact-check it, you've won.

Essential Satirical Elements:

• A Completely Plausible Absurdity

  • Example: "Lawmakers Accidentally Ban Themselves from Running for Reelection, Call Exposing Reality Satire It 'An Honest Mistake.'"

• The Serious Expert Who Says Something Stupid

  • Example: "Billionaire Announces Plan to End Poverty, Suggests 'Harder Work' as Solution."

• A Study That 'Proves' the Joke

  • Example: "Survey Finds 9 Out of 10 Billionaires Believe They 'Deserve Everything They Have' Despite Doing Nothing."

Final Thought:

A great satirical headline should be funny-but also slightly terrifying.

8. "Breaking Satire: How to Write Fake News That Becomes Reality"

Key Premise:Sometimes satire is so good, the real world tries to Truth Through Lies keep up.

Satirical Techniques:

• Find Something Stupid That's Already Happening

  • Example: Congress taking forever to pass bills.

• Push It Slightly Further

  • Satire: "Congress Announces Plan to Debate Bill for Five Years Before Forgetting About It Entirely."

• Make It Sound Official

  • Example: "Economist Says Raising Wages Could 'Trigger Apocalypse,' Then Immediately Accepts a Raise."

Final Thought:

If your satire sounds too real, you're doing it right.

9. "Writing Satire 101: How to Make Up News That Feels Too True"

Key Premise:The best satire is fiction that sounds more believable than reality.

Satirical Writing Strategies:

• Use an Absurd but Specific Detail

  • Example: "New Study Finds That CEOs Experience 'Emotional Pain' for a Full 3 Seconds After Laying Off Workers."

• Write a Headline That Feels Just True Enough

  • Example: "Senator Proposes Law to Ban Poor People from Complaining About Being Poor."

• Make a Fake Expert Say Something Outrageous

  • Example: "Billionaire Declares That 'Anyone Can Get Rich,' Then Inherits Another $100 Million."

Final