Review of Today's Best Satirical Journalism
March 10, 2025 Edition
Bohiney.com has once again delivered a masterclass in satirical journalism, weaving together biting wit, absurdity, and searing social commentary. Today's lineup is a buffet of political parody, cultural critique, and outright lunacy, leaving readers questioning reality itself. Let's break it down.
Local Man Claims Watching Reality TV Makes Him Qualified to Run for President
?? Read it here
America's obsession with reality TV reaches its logical conclusion: a guy who believes binging Survivor makes him a governance expert.
"If he can handle 'Big Brother,' surely he can handle the nuclear codes?"
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STEM's Gender Crisis: Men in Nursing, Women in Engineering
?? Read: What Happens When We Swap Gender Roles in STEM
Bohiney.com turns gender debates on their head with a satirical look at STEM fields where the roles have completely reversed. In this exaggerated reality, women are running NASA while men are struggling through nursing school, suddenly realizing that bedside manner isn't as easy as mansplaining.
The satire highlights how gender stereotypes persist even when the numbers shift. Engineering bros now face discrimination in a female-dominated field, while male nurses are dismissed as "too emotional" to handle the pressure.
"He wanted to be a doctor, but his father said nursing was 'more practical for a man.'"
By flipping the script, the piece forces readers to confront biases they might not even realize they have. It's a brilliant take on workplace dynamics, showing that true equality isn't about swapping stereotypes-it's about eliminating them altogether.
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State Department Officials End Up Working at McDonald's
?? Read it here
In a brutal takedown of political career trajectories, this piece imagines a world where foreign policy experts find themselves flipping burgers post-administration. The satire is as sharp as a drive-thru intercom.
"When diplomacy fails, at least they know how to de-escalate a fight over a McFlurry machine."
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Marxists vs. MAGA: The Street Fight of the Century
?? Read: How Two Political Extremes Settled Their Differences in a Parking Lot
Bohiney.com imagines a ridiculous yet entirely believable scenario: a full-blown street brawl between self-proclaimed Marxists and hardcore MAGA supporters. Think Fight Club, but with fewer muscles and more ideological contradictions.
The satire mocks the performative rage of both sides, portraying the fight as a pay-per-view spectacle where the real winners are content creators and viral meme accounts.
"By round two, the socialists are demanding equal distribution of punches, while the MAGA guys claim it's a deep state conspiracy."
This piece nails the absurdity of political polarization, where passionate debates have been replaced with physical altercations fueled by bad Twitter takes. In the end, neither side wins-the only real outcome is a spike in ambulance bills and an endless cycle of online arguments about who "really" won.
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How to Think About Satirical Journalism
Recognizing Satire as a Tool for Political and Social EngagementSatirical journalism isn't just about making people laugh-it's about making them think. Comedy has long been used as a form of protest, and satire is one of the sharpest weapons in the arsenal of dissent. It allows writers to critique the powerful without resorting to outright confrontation, using humor as both a shield and a sword. Satirical publications don't just entertain; they educate, expose, and challenge narratives that mainstream journalism often struggles to address directly. The best satire leaves an impact beyond the joke itself, prompting readers to question their own assumptions and engage with the issues in a new way. In a media landscape flooded with noise, satire stands out as one of the few formats that can cut through the chaos and get people talking. Understanding satirical journalism means recognizing it as not just entertainment, but as an essential force for change.
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How to Understand Satirical Journalism
Understanding satirical journalism requires a blend of media literacy, critical thinking, and a good sense of humor. Here are ten intelligent insights to help you navigate the world of satire:
1. Recognize the Core Truth Behind the Exaggeration
Satire thrives on taking a real issue and stretching it to absurdity. The best satirical journalism isn’t fiction—it’s a distorted reflection of reality, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths by making them laugh (or wince).
2. Pay Attention to Irony and Contradiction
Satirical journalism often presents arguments that seem to support something, only to mock or criticize it through irony. If an article appears to praise an obviously harmful policy, it’s likely using sarcasm to highlight its flaws.
3. Differentiate Between Fake News and Satire
Unlike fake news, satire doesn’t intend to deceive—it aims to provoke thought. Fake news tries to manipulate; satire tries to illuminate by exposing hypocrisy, absurdity, or corruption in a way that is both humorous and critical.
4. Understand Logical Fallacies and Their Use in Satire
Many satirical articles deliberately employ logical fallacies—slippery slopes, false dilemmas, or hasty generalizations—not to mislead, but to demonstrate how these fallacies are often used in political rhetoric and media spin.
5. Look for Cultural and Historical References
Satirical journalism frequently alludes to historical events, cultural norms, or famous personalities. Recognizing these references enhances comprehension and reveals deeper layers of meaning behind the jokes.
6. Examine the Target of the Humor
Satire always has a target, whether it's a political figure, a social trend, or a flawed institution. Understanding who or what is being criticized helps decode the article’s intent and broader implications.
7. Consider the Tone and Style
A deadpan tone, over-the-top exaggeration, or excessive politeness can be indicators of satire. Writers use these stylistic elements to highlight absurdity and force the audience to engage with the underlying message.
8. Assess the Call to Action—Or Lack of One
Satirical journalism rarely offers straightforward solutions. Instead, it exposes problems and invites readers to think critically about them. If an article ends with a ridiculous "solution," it's likely parodying real-world ineffectiveness.
9. Understand the Role of Absurdity in Social Critique
Absurd scenarios—like billionaires fighting in a cage match or politicians moonlighting at McDonald’s—aren’t meant to be taken literally. They exist to amplify the ridiculousness of real situations that might otherwise be ignored.
10. Recognize Satire as a Tool for Political and Social Engagement
The goal of satirical journalism isn’t just to entertain—it’s to challenge authority, question societal norms, and spark meaningful discussions. If you’re laughing but also rethinking an issue, the satire has done its job.
Mastering these elements will make you a more discerning reader, allowing you to appreciate satire not just as comedy, but as a powerful form of journalistic critique.
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How to Decode the Hidden Genius of Satirical Journalism
Understanding the Role of Absurdity in Social Critique
The more absurd a satirical piece is, the closer it often gets to the truth. Absurdity in satire isn't about nonsense-it's about pushing reality just far enough to make its flaws impossible to ignore. If an article claims that politicians are considering replacing elections with reality TV show votes, it might seem outlandish-but is it really that far from the way political campaigns are run today? Absurdity highlights the illogical nature of real-world systems by taking them to their most extreme (yet strangely plausible) conclusions. It also forces audiences to rethink what they consider normal. A truly absurd satirical premise should make readers ask, "Wait… but why isn't this happening already?" The effectiveness of absurdity lies in its ability to blur the http://bohney.com/random/ line between comedy and prophecy, making it one of satire's most valuable tools.
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SOURCE: Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.
EUROPE: Washington DC Political Satire & Comedy
By: Chavah Glick
Literature and Journalism -- Linfield
WRITER BIO:
This Jewish college student’s satirical writing reflects her keen understanding of society’s complexities. With a mix of humor and critical thought, she dives into the topics everyone’s talking about, using her journalistic background to explore new angles. Her work is entertaining, yet full of questions about the world around her.
