The time traveller said, "Satire can be seen as a metaphorical time machine that critiques humanity by navigating through different temporal landscapes, whether revisiting the past, speculating on the future, or reinterpreting the present in light of enduring truths. Jeremy Irons said, 'We all have our time machines. Some take us back; they're called memories. Some take us forward; they're called dreams.' Everyone yearns for the past. Our time machine takes us to the 1950s, when everything was black and white, literally. Because who doesn’t miss the days of dial-up telephones and blatant societal inequalities? The idea is that going back to a time when 'money had real value' will fix the economy. It is as if a time machine could magically stabilise the stock market, making every penny count while we barter in cryptocurrency for our morning coffee. Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump says, 'Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're gonna get.'
Fast forward to the future where technology is supposed to solve all our problems. Instead, we’re enslaved by our own smart appliances—fridges that berate us for our dietary choices and cars that insist we take the scenic route through traffic jams. The time machine just exacerbates our dependency on 'better living through gadgetry.'
A trip to the future to meet our descendants reveals they're still sporting the same fashion catastrophes but now with even more impractical accessories—like jetpack fanny packs and holographic mullets. The time machine takes us to different eras, only to realize that every generation thinks the previous one was an absolute disaster and the future is bound to be a trainwreck. It's a loop of eternal discontent.
Satire, like a time machine, lets us explore different eras and facets of society through a critical, often humorous lens—showing us that maybe, just maybe, our perception of 'progress' is as warped as the time continuum itself. The concepts of a 'time machine' and 'satire' might seem distinct, but there are compelling metaphorical connections between the two, especially when we view satire as a form of temporal critique. Satire often critiques societal norms, behaviours, or institutions by reflecting on the past. It acts as a "time machine" that revisits historical events, cultural practices, or past ideologies to highlight their absurdity or flaws. George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a satire that revisits the historical events of the Russian Revolution, exposing their hypocrisy and failures. Readers are transported back to a historical moment to analyze and critique it through the lens of allegory.
Just as a time machine allows for the exploration of possible futures, satire envisions alternative realities to warn against current trajectories. Satirical works often exaggerate present trends to show where they might lead, serving as a form of speculative futurism. Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal envisions a grotesque future where societal inequalities lead to the commodification of human life. The exaggerated proposal critiques existing societal apathy.
Satire moves freely through time, juxtaposing the past, present, and potential future to expose the folly of human behaviour. This temporal flexibility allows it to draw connections between historical patterns and current issues. Satirical television shows like The Daily Show often draw parallels between historical events and modern-day politics, highlighting recurring patterns of human folly.
A time machine symbolizes imaginative freedom, much like satire. Satire's power lies in its ability to transcend temporal boundaries, inviting readers or viewers to reconsider their current circumstances by placing them in a broader temporal context. In science fiction satire, such as Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, the absurdities of futuristic societies serve as a critique of contemporary human values.
While a time machine might suggest linear movement through time, satire shows that human flaws and societal issues are often timeless. Satire acts as a mirror reflecting both historical and present realities, suggesting that certain human tendencies persist regardless of temporal context.
For the past decade, Indonesians have been fooled by the 'myth of the good guy', and the story of Petruk fighting Lembu Suro will soon begin. Myths can be seen as narrative time machines, encapsulating timeless truths while enabling humanity to reflect on its past, shape its present, and envision its future. Both constructs invite us to journey through time—not merely as observers but as active participants in an ever-unfolding story. Myths and time machines both serve as tools for understanding human identity. Myths offer archetypes and eternal truths that define humanity, while a time machine allows for introspection by witnessing humanity's evolution across time. The myth of Odysseus’s journey mirrors a time machine’s exploration of the self through trials and transformation, emphasizing resilience and discovery across different 'times.' The metaphorical 'time machine' and the 'myth of a good man' converge as they explore the essence of human virtue across time and culture. Both invite us to reflect on the evolving yet enduring qualities of goodness, allowing us to trace the roots of morality, witness its application in different eras, and project its significance into the future.
The portrayal of rulers as 'the good man' is a recurring theme across mythology, literature, and history. These rulers serve as embodiments of virtue, often tasked with balancing power and morality while guiding their people through challenges. A ruler who starts as a symbol of goodness but later reveals darker traits or succumbs to corruption offers a compelling narrative about the fragility of morality under the pressures of power. These stories explore the duality of human nature, the seduction of authority, and the difficulty of maintaining virtue when faced with immense responsibility.
Shakespeare's Macbeth is introduced as a valiant and loyal warrior who fights for King Duncan, earning praise as a noble and honourable man. His bravery and commitment to his kingdom paint him as a worthy subject and potential leader. Tempted by ambition and spurred by the prophecy of the witches, as well as Lady Macbeth’s influence, Macbeth murders King Duncan to seize the throne. This act sets off a chain of increasingly tyrannical and violent decisions, revealing his capacity for greed and moral compromise. Shakespeare’s Macbeth illustrates how unchecked ambition can corrupt even those with a noble heart. His transformation from a good man to a tyrant serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of power and moral compromise.
Napoleon Bonaparte as a historical example, rose to prominence as a revolutionary leader, promising to uphold the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. He was seen as a reformer, introducing the Napoleonic Code, which promoted legal equality and meritocracy. Over time, Napoleon’s hunger for power grew, and he crowned himself Emperor of France. His reign was marked by expansionist wars, immense bloodshed, and authoritarian control. While initially a champion of revolutionary ideals, he became a ruler whose actions contradicted those principles. Napoleon’s trajectory highlights how even visionary leaders can become authoritarian when consumed by the allure of domination and control.
In Star Wars, Anakin Skywalker begins as a gifted and compassionate young Jedi, destined to bring balance to the Force. He is portrayed as heroic, idealistic, and committed to the greater good. Manipulated by Emperor Palpatine and consumed by fear, anger, and a desire for control, Anakin succumbs to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. He turns against the Jedi Order, commits atrocities, and becomes an enforcer of tyranny. Anakin’s fall from grace illustrates the peril of letting fear and desire for power overshadow one’s moral compass, showing how even good intentions can lead to destruction when distorted by selfishness.
Commodus, the son of Emperor Marcus Aurelius, was initially seen as a promising heir to his father’s legacy of wisdom and justice. In the movie Gladiator, Marcus Aurelius seeks to restore the Republic and trusts Commodus to share his vision. Historically and fictionally, Commodus becomes a self-indulgent and egotistical ruler. He indulges in excess, abandons governance, and enforces brutal policies to maintain his grip on power. His actions tarnish his father’s legacy and bring instability to the Roman Empire. Commodus exemplifies how privilege and entitlement, when unchecked, can corrupt a ruler and turn them from a promising leader into a destructive force.
In other cases, in some Indonesians, Turkish President Erdogan is seen as a great character. But based on the insights from the reference books and studies, his leadership has been marked by a systematic dismantling of democratic institutions, suppression of dissent, and centralization of power. While Erdoğan's administration retains some features of electoral democracy, such as regular elections, the competitive and pluralistic nature of these processes has been significantly undermined. Erdoğan has increasingly concentrated authority in the presidency, sidelining other state institutions. The judiciary has been criticized for being subjugated to the executive, undermining checks and balances. Opposition voices in media, academia, and civil society have faced significant restrictions. Following the 2016 coup attempt, Erdoğan used emergency powers to purge state institutions of dissenting voices and tighten control. Yes, the characterization of Turkish President Erdoğan as authoritarian is supported by numerous scholarly works.
Of course, many will defend Erdoğan, and one of them said 'He is a good authoritarian!'
'A Good Authoritarian' is one of those phrases that feels like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? The concept of a 'good' authoritarian could serve as fertile ground for satire, poking fun at the inherent contradictions and the often absurd attempts to justify authoritarianism under the guise of benevolence. But let's dive deeper into a satirical world like the following, 'In a land where freedoms were neatly tucked away in the attic and civil liberties were considered quaint relics, there emerged a leader hailed as "The Benevolent One." Unlike your average run-of-the-mill authoritarian, our hero ruled with a velvet fist—an iron fist wrapped in the softest cashmere, to be precise.
'Fear not!' he would bellow with a smile wider than state-sanctioned smiles were legally allowed. 'For I am here to protect you—from yourselves!'
The citizens nodded obediently, their heads bobbing in perfect unison, for nothing brought comfort like the warmth of well-meaning oppression. Curfews were enforced under the guise of promoting good bedtime habits, and the population could always sleep soundly knowing that every dissenting thought was swiftly quelled in the name of peace.
Under the watchful eye of The benevolent one, innovation thrived—so long as it didn't involve new ideas. Schools taught critical thinking, but only the approved kind. 'Imagine freely, but within these meticulously drawn boundaries,' the state education pamphlet cheerfully advised.
And so, in this utopia of uniformity, the people lived their lives blissfully, unaware of the encroaching shadows of their benevolent overlord. For there was no greater gift than the illusion of freedom, wrapped in the comforting embrace of a velvet fist.
In the grand palace of The benevolent one, there was a room known as the 'Suggestion Box Room'—perhaps inspired by the Indonesian concept of 'Lapor Mas Wapres!'. It was a place where citizens could voice their thoughts and ideas, provided they fit within the state-approved guidelines. The suggestion box, a grand golden relic, gleamed with the promise of change that would never come.
One day, a young citizen dared to submit a suggestion, 'What if we had a day where people could express their thoughts freely?' The benevolent one read the suggestion with a bemused smile and declared, 'What a delightful notion! We shall call it 'Pre-Approved Free Thought Day!' Whether citing a reference or advice from whom, the ruler equated it with the concept of a 'Credit Card.'
And so, the citizens gathered in the town square, ready to express their pre-approved thoughts. They wore their finest uniforms and carried signs with slogans like "Innovation Within Limits!" and "Think Freely...But Not Too Freely!"
Many rulers begin with noble intentions but are undone by their ambition, which, unchecked, can overshadow their initial virtues. The corrupting nature of power is a central theme. Even the "good man" can falter when faced with the temptations and responsibilities of authority. These stories remind us that no leader is immune to human flaws. Pride, fear, jealousy, or insecurity can erode even the strongest moral foundation. While circumstances and external pressures play a role, these rulers often make conscious choices that lead to their moral decline, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and accountability. The narrative of a ruler’s fall from goodness to badness serves as a timeless exploration of power’s complexity, offering lessons about the vigilance required to uphold virtue in positions of authority.
In the end, we realize that satire, much like a time machine, allows us to explore different eras and facets of society. It forces us to confront the warped nature of our perception of progress and reminds us that perhaps, just perhaps, the absurdity of human life is timeless.
So, as we step out of our satirical time machine, let's remember to laugh at the present, critique the past, and approach the future with a healthy dose of scepticism and humour. You never know what you're gonna get, but with satire, at least we can enjoy the journey."
