avatarLee Serpa Azevado

Summary

The Swipe is a Medium publication dedicated to satirical commentary on social phenomena, aiming to critique and influence societal change through humor and wit.

Abstract

The Swipe is a newly established Medium publication born out of a desire to engage with a broader audience and to provide a platform for satirical writings. The creator, who remains unnamed, emphasizes a lack of preoccupation with Medium stats or a Top Writer status, instead focusing on the unique power of satire to drive social change. The publication promises to take jabs at institutions, systems, and individuals in power, with a particular interest in counterculture and critical mass. While the author acknowledges the potential risks of satire in today's politically correct climate, they reassure readers that the intent is to provoke thought and encourage a deeper understanding of societal issues, rather than to offend. The Swipe invites readers to look beyond the surface of the stories and to engage with the satirical elements, suggesting that those who struggle to grasp the satire should seek its definition or heed the words of Bob Dylan on understanding before criticizing.

Opinions

  • The author denies being overly concerned with Medium statistics or accolades, indicating a focus on content rather than recognition.
  • Satire is highly regarded by the author as a powerful tool for social commentary and change, despite its underappreciated status among literary genres.
  • The publication's aim is to challenge and critique those in positions of power, with a stated intent to maintain a "healthy level of fear and loathing" towards government, law, and even Medium itself.
  • The author suggests that readers who fail to comprehend the satirical nature of the content should make an effort to understand it, implying that the onus is on the reader to engage critically with the material.
  • There is a clear disdain for the overuse of political correctness, with the author positioning themselves as a fearless writer willing to navigate potentially sensitive topics.
  • The author expresses a dislike for a quote attributed to Bob Dylan, questioning its meaning and relevance, yet ironically uses it to emphasize the importance of understanding before criticism.

What’s The Swipe?

Here’s something to swipe that smile off your face

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

Am I preoccupied with my Medium stats? Am I obsessed with retaining my Top Writer status? F*ck, no! I haven’t got time for that sh*t. I’m normally up to my eyeballs with stuff that I’m either attempting to put off doing, or not doing at all.

So, why did I create my own publication? Regardless of whether we are profiteers, promoters of social change or purveyors of personal essays, we all want to reach out to others. Thank you to Robert Turner for sharing the following.

I’ve always put off starting my own pub because I couldn’t be bothered. But Robert spells it out nicely.

What should you expect from The Swipe?

I’m fascinated by social phenomenons such as counterculture, critical mass and the curation of stories on Medium. I write satire because it’s different from all other literary genres. Satire may be the most lowly regarded literary genre, but no other genre has influenced social change as much as satire has. My aim is to take satirical swipes at institutions, systems or people in positions of power that should know better. Now, I accept my stories give the impression I have a Fear and Loathing of all things government, law, and even Medium but rest assured, it’s a healthy level of fear and loathing. This may all sound like a potential minefield, particularly in this age of political correctness, but don’t worry, I’m the one writing this sh*t.

So, when reading The Swipe, just remember that the socially constructed definition of life extends beyond the ideology of our post-modern society. Basically, if you don’t get the satire, read between the lines. If you still don’t get it, search ‘define satire’. And, if you still don’t get it, consider what Dylan once said, “don’t criticise what you can’t understand.” To be honest, I hate that quote. What does he even mean?

Welcome to The Swipe, snippets of satirical observations on life. We all have the potential to be real influencers. Let’s not sell ourselves short.

The Swipe
Satire
Humor
Politics
Medium
Recommended from ReadMedium