1. Those who understand the target:
* Informed audience: Satire relies on the audience's understanding of the subject being satirized. A successful satire requires the audience to be familiar with the target, its flaws, and its context.
* Critical thinkers: Satire is often meant to provoke thought and encourage critical thinking about the world around us. Audiences need to be able to recognize the absurdity, irony, and exaggeration employed by the satirist.
* Open to humor and irony: Satire uses humor as a tool to critique, but it's not always lighthearted. The audience must be able to appreciate both the comedic elements and the underlying message.
2. Different types of audiences:
* The insiders: Sometimes, satire is aimed specifically at a particular group of people who share inside knowledge or common experiences. This could be a profession, a community, or a specific political leaning.
* The general public: Many satirical pieces aim for a broader audience, using humor to address social, political, or cultural issues relevant to a larger population.
* Those with shared values: Often, satire resonates with people who share the satirist's values or beliefs. This shared understanding helps the audience recognize the target and appreciate the critique.
3. The potential for different reactions:
* The target's supporters: Satire can be controversial and may not always be well-received by those being satirized or their supporters.
* The target's critics: Those who agree with the satirist's critique often find satire empowering and validating.
* The neutral observer: Some people enjoy satire purely for its comedic value, even if they don't fully agree with the message.
In summary: The audience for satire is diverse, but they generally share an understanding of the target, a willingness to think critically, and an appreciation for humor and irony. Satire can be used to entertain, educate, and provoke, and its impact on different audiences can be varied.