Satire defined: use
of wit to criticize behavior. The use of
wit, especially irony, sarcasm, and ridicule, to criticize faults (Encarta
Dictionary). My mother, from my
memory, never once used satire. It was
not that she was lacking in intelligence, she was lacking in the underlying
sense of superiority that leads to a sustained attitude of judgment and criticism. When young I greatly admired my peers who had a
biting tongue and maintained an attitude of superiority—I thought of this as an
indication of brainy self-confidence and astute realism. As the years have passed, I have come increasingly
to appreciate the humility of my mother and father. I appreciate less and less literature that is
written from the stance of a perfect being peering down upon contemptible caricatures
of humanity. Gone is the heady sense I
had once in some college literature classes that by right of intelligence I
could look down on bumbling people portrayed essentially as idiotic.
Now it is political season and it’s time for a
steady stream of criticism and satire. Opponents
constantly will be targeted for ridicule and defeat. There is a pandering to the electorate complete
with a wink from the podium and shared insinuations that we are superior and
vastly more intelligent than the ridiculed opposition. We are encouraged to act on convictions based
upon feelings of superiority and disdain. This spirit poisons the political climate. I am waiting for the rebirth of wonder—for a
candidate that appeals to our better nature and who views the opposition as no
less worthy than themselves. I am waiting
for a candidate who shuns Ad Hominem arguments and rather shows reliable,
genuine regard and respect for those in the loyal opposition. It is truly sad when an attitude based on empathy, belief, courage, and goodwill is counted as unrealistic and weak.
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