Satire’s Permission Slip Effect

Satire can make a demagogue compelling while tacking on explicit moral condemnation at the end, which gives audiences psychological cover to enjoy the transgression. This mix entertains, lowers defenses, and may normalize the persona it ostensibly lampoons. The effect depends on charisma and repeated, simple messaging that works on broad audiences. — It reframes media responsibility by suggesting satire can inadvertently mainstream taboo politics when it grants viewers moral license to indulge the performance.