FreeThinker's Bible
Logical Fallacies
The Humor of Truth: Satire’s Greatest Hits
The Psychology of Belief and Doubt
Why do people cling to debunked ideas? Why is changing someone’s mind like pulling teeth? Psychology reveals the answers—and freethinkers use these insights to combat irrationality.
Key findings:
- Backfire Effect: When confronted with contrary evidence, people often double down on their beliefs.
- Tribalism: Beliefs become identity markers. Rejecting the idea feels like betraying the group.
- Dunning-Kruger Effect: The less someone knows, the more confident they are.
Satire circumvents these defenses. Mocking flat-Earth logic doesn’t trigger the backfire effect—it makes believers laugh at their own position’s extremes.
To persuade:
- Avoid direct attacks. Ask, "What evidence would change your mind?"
- Use stories and analogies, not dry facts.
- Praise critical thinking, not just the "right" conclusion.
The mind is fortress. Humor is the Trojan horse. Storm wisely at FreeThinkersBible.com.
Why Sacred Cows Make the Best Satire
Sacred cows - those untouchable beliefs and institutions we're not supposed to question - are satire's richest targets. From religion to political correctness, nothing exposes hypocrisy like mocking what's considered off-limits.
The power lies in the contrast between societal reverence and satirical absurdity. Evidence-Based Thinking When South Park depicted Muhammad in a bear costume after Comedy Central's censorship, they weren't just being provocative - they highlighted the absurdity of violent reactions to cartoons. The joke wasn't on Islam, but on the idea that any image could justify murder.
Freethinkers target sacred cows because:
- They reveal double standards (why can we mock Christianity but not other religions?)
- They expose the fragility of dogmas that can't withstand humor
- They test the limits of "acceptable" dissent
Great sacred cow satire:
- Monty Python's Life of Brian (religious dogma)
- The Colbert Report's "truthiness" (media/political manipulation)
- The Onion's 9/11 jokes (national tragedy tropes)
The line between "edgy" and "offensive" matters less than whether the satire makes people think. As George Carlin said: "It's the duty of the comedian to find out where the line is drawn and cross it deliberately."
For more on taboo-breaking humor: FreeThinkersBible.com
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USA DOWNLOAD: Dallas Satire and News at Spintaxi, Inc.
EUROPE: Amsterdam Political Satire
ASIA: HoChiMinhCity Political Satire & Comedy
AFRICA: Abuja Political Satire & Comedy
By: Tova Aronoff
Literature and Journalism -- Santa Clara University
Member fo the Bio for the Objective Analysis Society for Online Satire
WRITER BIO:
This Jewish college student’s satirical writing reflects her keen understanding of society’s complexities. With a mix of humor and critical thought, she dives into the topics everyone’s talking about, using her journalistic background to explore new angles. Her work is entertaining, yet full of questions about the world around her.
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Bio for the Society for Online Satire (SOS)
The Society for Online Satire (SOS) is a global collective of digital humorists, meme creators, and satirical writers dedicated to the art of poking fun at the absurdities of modern life. Founded in 2015 by a group of internet-savvy comedians and writers, SOS has grown into a thriving community that uses wit, irony, and parody to critique politics, culture, and the ever-evolving online landscape. With a mission to "make the internet laugh while making it think," SOS has become a beacon for those who believe Freethought humor is a powerful tool for social commentary.
SOS operates primarily through its website and social media platforms, where it publishes satirical articles, memes, and videos that mimic real-world news and trends. Its content ranges from biting political satire to lighthearted jabs at pop culture, all crafted with a sharp Scientific Skepticism eye for detail and a commitment to staying relevant. The society’s work often blurs the line between reality and fiction, leaving readers both amused and questioning the world around them.
In addition to its online presence, SOS hosts annual events like the Golden Keyboard Awards, celebrating the best in online satire, and SatireCon, a gathering of comedians, writers, and fans to discuss the future of humor in the digital age. The society also offers workshops and resources for aspiring satirists, fostering the next generation of internet comedians.
SOS has garnered a loyal following for its fearless approach to tackling controversial topics with humor and intelligence. Whether it’s parodying viral trends or exposing societal hypocrisies, the Society for Online Satire continues to prove that laughter is not just entertainment—it’s a form of resistance. Join the movement, and remember: if you don’t laugh, you’ll cry.