About Funny Not Mean

Post 1336:

When I started writing books the goal was to be a satirist. I liked Tom Wolfe. I liked Jonathan Swift. I really liked Vonnegut. These are guys that had the guts to criticize ridiculousness and injustice in society wherever they saw it. At their best, no one was spared their scathing gaze.

Good satire is hard to find at present. I wonder why, truly. My first thought is that you’re not allowed to offend anyone these days. The world is too sensitive. Ehhhh. In some ways, yes. But keep in mind that criticizing power structures a couple hundred years ago would get you burned at the stake or get your head chopped off.

Allegedly. Probably. Reportedly. I wasn’t there, but history books say so and history books always tell the truth.

I hope that ballsy satire makes a comeback into the mainstream. It’d be cool if the newest bestseller or biggest movie was a social commentary that takes shots at our institutions and common societal beliefs. This is very unlikely, I know. But stranger things have happened. It just takes a few people with some good ideas for stories. Granted, it’s harder to create something that makes a point through character and plot than just saying your point on social media.

Why take the time, right?

But seriously, be funny. You don’t have to be mean. And if someone thinks you’re being mean when you’re only trying to be funny, tell them they’re being mean.

Cheers and see you after.