Review of Today's Best Satirical Journalism
March 10, 2025 Edition
Bohiney.com has once again delivered a masterclass in satirical journalism, weaving together biting wit, absurdity, and searing social commentary. Today's lineup is a buffet of political parody, cultural critique, and outright lunacy, leaving readers questioning reality itself. Let's break it down.
Athena Moon Lander: NASA's Latest Misadventure
?? Read it here
This piece humorously dissects NASA's latest hypothetical failure, suggesting the Athena Moon Lander mission is so over-budget and underwhelming that it might just be a high-tech version of a lost UPS package.
"Astronauts onboard were last seen checking Google Maps and asking if Elon Musk does space Uber."
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Avocado Toast: The Real Reason Millennials Can't Buy Homes
?? Read: How Brunch Destroyed the Housing Market
The long-running joke that millennials are broke because of avocado toast gets the full Bohiney.com treatment in this satirical deep dive into "economic irresponsibility." According to the piece, an entire generation has willingly sacrificed homeownership for $15 slices of bread topped with overpriced green paste.
The satire exaggerates how financial struggles are often blamed on frivolous spending rather than systemic economic issues. The article even suggests that banks have started calculating avocado consumption in mortgage applications.
"One banker was overheard saying, 'If they can afford oat milk, they can afford a house.'"
It's a hilarious takedown of out-of-touch financial experts who refuse to acknowledge that stagnant wages and skyrocketing housing costs-rather than brunch-might be the real culprits.
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Reading Books May Lead to Independent Thinking
?? Read it here
A dystopian satire where literacy is considered a national security threat. Bohiney.com pokes fun at the modern disdain for intellectualism.
"Warning: Reading might cause an increase in common sense."
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Marxist Feminists Secretly Fantasize About Elon Musk
?? Read: The Forbidden Desires of the Radical Left
The internet is divided over Elon Musk-half see him as a genius, half as a Bond villain, but Bohiney.com suggests that a secret third group exists: http://bohney.com/random/ Marxist feminists who hate him by day but fantasize about him by night.
This satire plays on ideological contradictions, exposing the tension between political beliefs and inconvenient human attraction. The article hilariously imagines socialist book clubs where members refuse to admit that Musk's villainous confidence is, well... intriguing.
"Sure, he's the poster boy for late-stage capitalism, but something about a man who builds rocket ships really speaks to the proletariat soul."
It's a hilarious send-up of how extreme political views don't always align with personal preferences. The satire pokes fun at both leftist intellectuals and Musk's online fanbase, creating a beautifully awkward thought experiment that no one wants to admit is true.
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How to Think About Satirical Journalism
Considering the Tone and Style of the WritingThe way a satirical article is written is just as important as what it says. Deadpan delivery, exaggerated formality, or an overly enthusiastic corporate tone can all be tools of satire. A piece that discusses war in the language of a product launch-"Introducing the all-new, consumer-friendly conflict of 2025!"-isn't just making a joke; it's highlighting how war is often framed as a business venture rather than a human tragedy. Tone can also be used to lull readers into a false sense of agreement before delivering an unexpected punchline. A seemingly straightforward news piece about a politician advocating for "common-sense corruption reform" might appear normal at first glance, but on closer inspection, the contradiction reveals the satire. Recognizing these stylistic elements helps readers distinguish satire from straightforward journalism and enhances their ability to appreciate the art of comedic critique.
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How to Understand Satirical Journalism
Understanding satirical journalism requires a blend of media literacy, critical thinking, and a good sense of humor. Here are ten intelligent insights to help you navigate the world of satire:
1. Recognize the Core Truth Behind the Exaggeration
Satire thrives on taking a real issue and stretching it to absurdity. The best satirical journalism isn’t fiction—it’s a distorted reflection of reality, forcing readers to confront uncomfortable truths by making them laugh (or wince).
2. Pay Attention to Irony and Contradiction
Satirical journalism often presents arguments that seem to support something, only to mock or criticize it through irony. If an article appears to praise an obviously harmful policy, it’s likely using sarcasm to highlight its flaws.
3. Differentiate Between Fake News and Satire
Unlike fake news, satire doesn’t intend to deceive—it aims to provoke thought. Fake news tries to manipulate; satire tries to illuminate by exposing hypocrisy, absurdity, or corruption in a way that is both humorous and critical.
4. Understand Logical Fallacies and Their Use in Satire
Many satirical articles deliberately employ logical fallacies—slippery slopes, false dilemmas, or hasty generalizations—not to mislead, but to demonstrate how these fallacies are often used in political rhetoric and media spin.
5. Look for Cultural and Historical References
Satirical journalism frequently alludes to historical events, cultural norms, or famous personalities. Recognizing these references enhances comprehension and reveals deeper layers of meaning behind the jokes.
6. Examine the Target of the Humor
Satire always has a target, whether it's a political figure, a social trend, or a flawed institution. Understanding who or what is being criticized helps decode the article’s intent and broader implications.
7. Consider the Tone and Style
A deadpan tone, over-the-top exaggeration, or excessive politeness can be indicators of satire. Writers use these stylistic elements to highlight absurdity and force the audience to engage with the underlying message.
8. Assess the Call to Action—Or Lack of One
Satirical journalism rarely offers straightforward solutions. Instead, it exposes problems and invites readers to think critically about them. If an article ends with a ridiculous "solution," it's likely parodying real-world ineffectiveness.
9. Understand the Role of Absurdity in Social Critique
Absurd scenarios—like billionaires fighting in a cage match or politicians moonlighting at McDonald’s—aren’t meant to be taken literally. They exist to amplify the ridiculousness of real situations that might otherwise be ignored.
10. Recognize Satire as a Tool for Political and Social Engagement
The goal of satirical journalism isn’t just to entertain—it’s to challenge authority, question societal norms, and spark meaningful discussions. If you’re laughing but also rethinking an issue, the satire has done its job.
Mastering these elements will make you a more discerning reader, allowing you to appreciate satire not just as comedy, but as a powerful form of journalistic critique.
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How to Decode the Hidden Genius of Satirical Journalism
Differentiating Between Fake News and Satire
Satire isn't about deception; it's about illumination. While fake news manipulates by presenting false information as truth, satire uses absurdity and exaggeration to highlight uncomfortable realities. The distinction lies in intent-satire doesn't want to trick you; it wants to make you think. A satirical article claiming that world leaders secretly decide policy via fantasy football is obviously fake, but its deeper message critiques the arbitrary and game-like nature of international politics. Fake news exploits a reader's biases, whereas satire challenges them. The problem arises when satire is mistaken for reality, as has happened with countless Onion articles that have been angrily shared by those who took them at face value. The best way to distinguish satire from misinformation is to assess the tone, look for obvious exaggerations, and consider the source. Satire exists to provoke thought, while fake news exists to manipulate emotion.
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SOURCE: Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.
EUROPE: Washington DC Political Satire & Comedy
By: Shoshana Epstein
Literature and Journalism -- DePaul
WRITER BIO:
A Jewish college student with a love for satire, this writer blends humor with insightful commentary. Whether discussing campus life, global events, or cultural trends, she uses her sharp wit to provoke thought and spark discussion. Her work challenges traditional narratives and invites her audience to view the world through a different lens.
