There was loads of pre-WW2 mockery of Hitler. It did not matter a lot in the end.
So: As much as I admire Mel Brooks, this is just wishful thinking.
So: As much as I admire Mel Brooks, this is just wishful thinking.
Let's perhaps say that if satire doesn't directly prevent authoritarianism, it works as a very effective canary in the mine.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marburg_speech ("...said to be the last speech made publicly, and on a high level, in Germany against National Socialism...")
An ironic tombstone for freedom of speech:
"They will bear them and follow the Führer with unwavering loyalty, if they are allowed to have their part in the planning and in the work, if every word of criticism is not taken for ill will, and if despairing patriots are not branded as enemies of the state."
https://www.openculture.com/2020/11/before-creating-the-moom...