The Satirist, the Larrikin and the Politician: An Australian Perspective on Satire and Politics

Abstract

This chapter introduces the book and discusses satire as a genre and the practice of the satirical mode. It outlines how the relationship between satire and politics in various political systems is explored in the subsequent chapters and summarises their findings to give an overview of the book. Arguing that Australasian (Australian and New Zealand) cultures of using humour provide useful insights into how political satire operates, the chapter describes what characterises the Australian use of humour and the origins and etymology of the term “larrikin”. In contrast to the serious-minded nature of the British John Bull image or the American Uncle Sam, Australians have come to use the irreverent image of the larrikin as a shorthand to depict their national identity. The authors trace how this image has evolved over time, especially as mediated through Australia’s cartooning history, and why cartoonists have played so important a role in national self-definition. A number of popular and long-lived cartoon characters have incorporated the larrikin over the years and, taken up by successful writers, playwrights and comedians, the larrikin has provided a useful image for politicians to adopt when appealing for the popular vote. As several cases show, cartoonists can turn the image back against the nation’s leaders when they expose themselves through hubris. The larrikin’s current status in Australia’s multi-cultural and diverse society is uncertain, although its connection with nationalist populism still remains.