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.
Ben Sixsmith
2026.01.11
90% relevant
The article explicitly invokes how satire and jokes grant audiences 'permission' to enjoy transgressive figures and argues that mocking elites (or anyone) can be humane rather than purely hostile; that maps directly onto the existing idea that satire can inadvertently normalize or humanize dangerous personas by providing a 'permission slip.' The actor here is Rosie Jones (advice on responsible jokes) and the author’s counterargument invoking Peter Cook and Bill Hicks concretely connects to the satire/permission dynamic.
Rob Henderson
2025.10.09
100% relevant
Henderson notes the film’s closing anti‑immigrant coda 'functions like a permission slip' that lets viewers forgive themselves for enjoying the Hitler character.
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