A satirist is an artist who expresses themselves through satire. Many satirists are writers, but they can also be actors, playwrights, and speechwriters, as well as visual artists like painters and cartoonists. Satire is a unique form of expression in that, while it appears to be amusing on the surface, it contains hidden commentary and is usually intended to send a message or make a statement rather than just be amusing.
Many satirists work in the field of political satire, using satire to make political observations. Satirists may criticize public figures, laws, and political trends that they believe are important. A satirist can look into social issues as well. Satirists are known for being biting, and their humor isn’t for everyone. In some cases, satirists have been the first to openly address contentious social issues, expressing what cannot be expressed in plain language through humor.
Satire is a centuries-old art form. Humor has long been a favorite of humans, as have multilayered and complex modes of expression. Satire has often been the only way to make an open political statement in the past. People couldn’t say things like “I despise the King,” but they could use him in a political cartoon to send a clear message about him. Satire remains a useful tool for political expression in some parts of the world where people lack freedom of expression; the satirist can hide behind the guise of humor, with the meaning of the humor open to interpretation.
Many satirists tread carefully. Some people may find their comments offensive, and some topics are not considered appropriate for use as vehicles for humor. Limitations on freedom of speech can affect satirists in some countries. Some countries, for example, have lèse majesté laws that make it illegal to “injure” the monarchy, so satirists must tread carefully or risk being imprisoned or fined. Similarly, the targets of satirists’ sharp wit have sometimes accused them of defamation or slander.
People can approach satirist careers from a variety of angles. Others are performers, while others develop their own satiric voice independently. Some are graduates of art schools or writing programs who are interested in humor. Small jobs, such as a column in a local newspaper or periodic invitations to make political cartoons, are common beginnings for satirists, who gain more attention and jobs as their work becomes more well-known. A satirist might start out as a writer’s assistant on a television show or as a support person for a satirical stand-up comedian.