WINOOSKI – In an unscientific survey taken by extremely popular, successful, and good-looking media outlet The Winooski, it was revealed that a large number of Vermonters are unable to identify satire when they see it, even when the word “satire” is printed directly across it. “Satire” is defined by our recent Google search as “the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.” We are defining it for you in case you, like many Vermonters, do not know what it means.
The Winooski conducted this informal survey by posting daily satirical articles for a month, each of them headed by a picture with the word “satire” clearly printed on it, and then often tweeted using the #satire hashtag. Then the dashing and mischievously attractive entertainment site sat back and waited to see if anyone would comment on the articles in a way that suggested that the commenter even mildly suspected that The Winooski had not just made the whole thing up.
In all honestly, we never expected so many people to find clearly labeled satire so unrecognizable. It is not our intention to fool or trick anyone. All we want to do is to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues, by the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule. So now, armed with the knowledge that many people (not you of course) are not as discerning as they imagine, please go carefully into the world, sharing our articles with loud disclaimers and neon warning signs. Because except for you, nobody knows what to believe any more.
This article mentions politics and topical issues, but doesn’t actually talk about anything in particular. I think that if you’re going to mention politics, you should at least be specific. As a well-informed Vermonter who cares deeply about serious news, I hope there will be a return to the indepth reporting we are used to from this irresistably attractive site.
You used to love when we whispered sweet nothings. Now you want substance? Fine. We will return to our hard hitting fake news stories tomorrow morning.
Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. And Ruth is stranger than Richard.