When Truth and Parody are almost indistinguishable

It is often said that "Many a true word is spoken in jest."

I have learned the hard way that you have to be extremely careful when you use irony, because if it is remotely possible for anyone to take you at your word, then someone will do so. Indeed, if you are up against an unscrupulous opponent, the fact that no reasonable and intelligent person could possibly interpret your remarks in a particular way will not always stop them doing so.

I recall once comparing a humane and non-lethal programme (e.g. not a cull) to check Whitehaven's seagull problem to Labour councillors losing their seats. The fact that I had specifically used the words "non-lethal" did not stop Copeland Labour party from planting a letter in the Whitehaven news accusing me of joking about the assassination of Labour councillors.

Earlier this evening I posted a link on Facebook to an article on a parody site about Greece getting their 1274th final warning.

It was funny because all the references in the article to "We really mean it this time, honest. Probably" were ridiculous but yet carried the ring of truth.

And yet in another sense it wasn't funny because you get the impression that the Greek government thought that despite all the "final warnings" they would never actually be allowed to crash out of the Euro. And I think they're wrong.

Sometimes it is very hard to spot where reality ends and humour begins



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