Satire expresses the harsh truth in a funny or mocking way. There are various elements in human society that exhibit hypocrisy. A satirical essay can be a brilliant way to highlight the irony or hypocrisy in a situation.
Not So Modest!
A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift, is one of the most famous satirical essays about the complete lack of empathy by the rich class towards the poor oppressed class in 18th century Ireland. He proposes a ‘modest solution’ for the poor who cannot afford to tend and feed their children. He suggests that these children be fed to the rich landlords, which will solve the problem of the poor parents, and serve as a delicious treat to the inhumane landlords.
Satirical essays are intended to represent an ironic situation by inducing a touch of humor and hyperbole. These essays represent tough problems in a subtle manner, laced with wit and humor; however, they are highly effective in conveying the message.
If you’re planning to write one, there are various topics that you can choose from. Most satirical topics can be found in current affairs and politics. If you’re aware of the trending hot topics around you, it will certainly prove beneficial while writing satirical essays. Given below are a few major areas that can provide topics for writing a good satire.
Social issues
No society is devoid of problems. Look around and analyze the current social issues that need to be addressed urgently. Compare your society with that of others. Of course, there are bound to be cultural differences and many social evils still prevail, yet this very diversity can bring about various issues that need to be addressed.
Political issues
Political issues are the biggest source for satire. Keep yourself updated with news and recent happenings if you want to choose a political topic that is a currently trending. Yes, of course, you can pick up something from the history too. A good way to enhance the satirical impact of your essay perception is to read newspaper comic strips that address political issues.
Economic issues
Every economy has to face bad times, and it suffers from certain loopholes. Such loopholes can become a good topic for satire. For example, inflation, taxes, or problems associated with employment, etc.
Environmental issues
Addressing the environmental issues has become the biggest need of the hour, and is the biggest satire on the face of humankind. For his own benefit, man has exploited nature beyond reproach, and in turn invited the wrath of nature’s fury. A satirical essay on such issue can be a good way to create awareness that we need to protect our planet for the future generations.
Topic Suggestions
Marriages
► Gay marriages
► Challenges faced by the marriage system
► Rising divorce rates
Health
► Obesity
► Increase in suicide rates
► Increasing cardiovascular diseases
Teen Problems
► Obsession with social networking sites
► Couch potatoes
► Obsession with video games
► Teenage pregnancy
► Addiction to drugs
► Teen depression
Employment
► Rising work stress
► The rat race
► Carrot and stick approach
► Gender bias in an office environment
► Harassment at workplace
► Problems faced by the working class
Women
► Women’s Rights
► Fashion obsession
► Working mothers
► Crimes against women
► Gender inequality
Political
► War
► Terrorism
► International relations
► Export-Import policies
► Globalization
► Budget deficit
► Illegal immigration
► Abortion
Economic
► Unhealthy competition
► Unethical business practices
► Economic disparities
► Unemployment
► Inflation
► Debt peonage
► Taxes
► Demerits of capitalization
Environmental
► Pollution
► Deforestation
► Global warming
► Ozone depletion
► Demerits of nanotechnology
Other Topics
► Is man becoming slave to technology?
► Child sexual abuse
► Crime rates
► Animal cruelty
► Racial discrimination
The comic element in a satirical must not be overdone. Also remember to not go overboard while bringing out the harshness or irony of the situation. If you’re writing on sensitive topics like religion, you need to be cautious with your language. You might be entitled to your opinion; however, your essay must reflect a fair analysis of the subject. Write a satirical essay with deep research and good knowledge of the subject. A poorly researched essay will expose your lack of knowledge.
