By Dave Riley

Satire, to be worthy of its name, generalises, exaggerates and distorts. Because it relies on its immediate impact and addresses topical vices and abuses, satire can rely on persistence in its struggle against hypocrisy, pretence and oppression.

Usually, satire is treated as a form of humour generated through ridicule, irony and sarcasm, but a humour that is deadly serious in intent.

"The task of the modern humorist", wrote Kurt Tucholsky, "would not be to think of isolated cases which are amusing, but rather to depict a cross section, to point out the immense uniformity brought about by civilisation, the complete congruity of feeling, the total conformity of all people under the same economic conditions".

Perhaps more than any other satirist -- at least in this century -- Tucholsky was keen to bring satire up to date and wield it to challenge what is wrong with the world. "Nothing is harder and takes more character", he insisted, "than to stand in open opposition to one's time and loudly say: No!".

Today seems such a bad time for satire. Challenging what is wrong with the world, with vigour and compassion, has become a rare phenomenon. What passes as satire is often just sterile grumbling invigorated by a few laughs.

We are encouraged to abhor commitment and to treat our social existence with ambiguity, even indifference. When you are in two minds about something, you may be distant enough to recognise how ridiculous it may seem, but satire is another thing altogether. Satire takes sides. It's against this and against that -- an irreverent political rascal who won't shut up.

Since satire's outlets are scarce and its ranks seem so short staffed, the suggestion has been made that something be done about it. We lefts and greens need our own satirists, and, just as significantly, radical satirists need each other.

To cater to that need, a pilot project has been set up to establish a network of active and would be satirists -- specifically writers, performers and graphic artists -- so that they can exchange views, get involved and circulate their work. This network is tentatively called the Satire Workshop.

The Satire Workshop will disseminate original works as well as information about the form, styles and history of satire. To do this it hopes to publish a regular journal -- Graffito.

The Satire Workshop also plans to sponsor activity which is keenly satirical, especially cabaret and similar theatre performances.

If you draw, write, sing or act -- and you're keen that your talents be utilised for a greater good -- then get in touch with the Satire Workshop. Phone: (07) 3266 4281. E-mail: dhell@ozemail.com.au. Post: The Satire Workshop c/- Cultural Dissent, PO Box 394, Broadway NSW 2007.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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