The dictionary meaning says that a satire is:
“Witty language used to convey insults or scorn, esp. saying one thing but implying the opposite”
my experience says that satire is one of the most dangerous forms of communications.
1. it assumes that everyone except the recipient has a higher intellect. (esp the person who is trying to have a lighter moments)
2. offends the recipient because it does not give him chance to enjoy the statements.
3. the words and the meaning are so different that often the audience does not get the joke
A cartoonist would often use satire and there are a lot of people who feel that slapstick comedy is a cheep form of entertainment.
However one has to understand that when a professional or cartoonist uses satire everyone knows it’s a joke, and they don’t take his/her words literally. In everyday life, when we try to use satire, there are a lot of people who would take a few moments before they realize it’s a joke. Also a professional entertainer can insult and make fun of a celebrity, politician etc. because firstly the joke is intended to humor you and not those celebrities. Secondly he does not know that celebrity and hence is ambivalent to their reaction.
In life, it is very easy to crack a joke, but very difficult to ensure that no boundaries are transgressed.
