American democracy is under threat and CF considers if humor is our last best resort. Much has happened to the political landscape in recent weeks, including the No Kings protests on October 18 which drew several million people into city streets all over America. It was thought to be the largest day of protest in U.S. history and sent a strong voice of opposition to Trump’s most recent propaganda efforts to declare all dissent illegal. The finale of the Right’s wild rhetoric culminated in an AI-generated video on social media depicting Trump piloting a fighter jet, while wearing a crown, and dumping feces on protesters from the air. Is this all just good “clean” fun and were the protests just a feel-good exercise for liberals, that don’t actually change a thing?
In an age of memes, late-night talk shows, and viral takedowns, satire has become a serious weapon – as witnessed by what happened to comedians, Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. But what happens when humor masks deeper political truths? Cambridge Forum explores how we navigate this new world of clownish propaganda; do we dare ignore Trump’s silliness and buffoonery, risking its veracity at our peril? CF ask our guest speakers from different disciplines to discuss the power behind the politics of ridicule. Different formats are used by both the Right and Left, not just to entertain, but to demonize, distract and derail debate. But what does this humor reveal about the state of our democracy – and is laughter our last best defense? Join the conversation.