Satire is a powerful tool. Think of Jonathan Swift's novel of 1726 Gulliver's Travels, a brilliant swipe at British society in the 18th century. Laughing at someone, or something, can make us feel better about situations where we may feel powerless. In this vein, should we laugh at terrorism, a form of political violence that kills thousands of people every year? Is it OK to mock death? Is it OK to do so on the 22nd anniversary of the single greatest terrorist attack in history or is it unconscionable? Borealis looks at the role of satire when we discuss terrorism.
Satire is a powerful tool. Think of Jonathan Swift's novel of 1726 Gulliver's Travels, a brilliant swipe at British society in the 18th century. Laughing at someone, or something, can make us feel better about situations where we may feel powerless. In this vein, should we laugh at terrorism, a form of political violence that kills thousands of people every year? Is it OK to mock death? Is it OK to do so on the 22nd anniversary of the single greatest terrorist attack in history or is it unconscionable? Borealis looks at the role of satire when we discuss terrorism.