Question

As you read in this lesson, satire depends on the audience recognizing and agreeing with the satirist’s implicit criticism of his or her target. How effective can satire be in shaping behavior or opinions if the audience is always in on the joke and thus never the target?

Answer 1

As the question explains, the sole purpose of satire is to criticize, to obtain the results of intended message concerning the issue. It is implicit because it conceals the truth in a humorous way where we readers can observe the targeted stereotypes explicitly in society. Satire is always effective considering that the genre has been developed historically and it is widespread even today as a form of meme, music lyrics and TV shows. One misunderstanding might arise from its humorous display, but satire actually carries a serious message. Therefor, it is always effective.  

Answer 2

It can be because satire often presents things that the audience realizes but is unable to formulate using linguistic means or are afraid of saying them due to censorship or similar things. That's why satire can be a vessel for shaping public opinion since it expresses what everyone is thinking without people having to say it. It also helps people understand the problem even more deeply.