The Onion, an iconic satirical news source, has been making readers laugh—and think—for over 40 years. What started as a small alternative weekly in Madison, Wisconsin, has since grown into a cultural powerhouse that has reshaped how news and satire intersect. In her new book Funny Because It’s True: How the Onion Created Modern News Satire, Christine Wenc delves into the origins, evolution, and lasting influence of The Onion, offering a look at how a group of writers transformed the media landscape.
The Origins of The Onion and Its First Steps into Satire
When The Onion began as a modest alt-weekly newspaper in 1988, the concept of satirical news was nothing like we know it today. The early staff, led by Wenc, thrived in an environment where cheap living conditions allowed them to experiment without the financial pressures often associated with mainstream media. The low-cost lifestyle allowed creativity to flow freely, a key element that would contribute to the publication’s eventual success.
The editorial team was made up of a mix of college students and young professionals who were not yet bound by the expectations of mainstream journalism. They focused on pushing boundaries with their headlines, which often ranged from the absurd to the darkly humorous. Wenc recalls how they were able to take risks, knowing that the stakes weren’t high in terms of reputation or financial stability. “We were able to write with a level of freedom that we wouldn’t have had if we were working for a larger, corporate-backed paper,” Wenc explains.
The Onion’s Reaction to 9/11 and the Evolution of Its Satire
One of the most defining moments in The Onion’s history was its response to the September 11 attacks. For a satirical news outlet, this tragedy posed a major challenge: How do you create humor in the wake of such a devastating event?
Wenc and her colleagues approached it with caution but creativity. They released an issue just days after 9/11, featuring a headline that read, “America: ‘We Are Strong. We Are Resilient. We Are One.’” Below it, in typically Onion fashion, was a parody headline that poked fun at the absurdity of political rhetoric in the face of national tragedy. The piece was a mix of both somber reflection and biting satire, showing that The Onion could still maintain its wit while acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
“The Onion’s response was not just about making jokes,” Wenc says. “It was about providing a lens through which readers could make sense of something as senseless as 9/11. We knew humor had its place, even in the darkest times.”
Over the years, The Onion has continued to address serious topics through humor, finding the balance between absurdity and reality. Whether covering political scandals, social issues, or international events, it has remained an essential part of modern satire.
What Makes The Onion “Good Fake News”?
In her book, Wenc argues that The Onion has always been “good fake news.” But what exactly does that mean? While The Onion parodies the structure and tone of real news, it’s clear to readers that it is fiction. However, this intentional falsehood serves to reveal truths about society, politics, and culture. The Onion’s headlines often expose the ridiculousness of real-world events, offering readers a deeper insight into the absurdities of life.
“It’s a way to hold a mirror up to society,” Wenc explains. “By exaggerating or distorting the truth, we can reveal something important about the world we live in. That’s why people connect with it—it’s funny, yes, but it’s also spot on in its critiques of society.”
The Onion’s brand of fake news is very different from the misinformation often found on social media or through conspiracy theories. Instead of misleading or deceiving, The Onion uses hyperbole and irony to point out the flaws in the real world. The publication’s credibility doesn’t stem from being factual, but from its ability to capture the essence of truth in a satirical format.
The Onion’s Unique Approach to Humor
The Onion’s style of humor is not just about making fun of serious issues—it’s about showing how seriously absurd life can be. The paper’s blend of deadpan delivery with outrageous headlines, like “Nation’s 3rd Largest Dairy Cow Becomes Icon of National Unity,” highlights the often ridiculous nature of modern life. But beneath the humor, there is often a pointed critique, whether it’s about the political landscape, social norms, or even the media itself.
-
Humor that is both absurd and insightful
-
A commitment to pushing boundaries while being socially aware
-
Satire as a tool for questioning societal norms and values
Wenc emphasizes that the unique voice of The Onion continues to resonate with readers because it speaks to the universal experience of navigating a world full of contradictions. The Onion doesn’t just laugh at the world—it forces us to laugh at ourselves, making it a critical component of modern journalism and satire.
The Future of Satire in a Changing Media Landscape
As digital platforms and social media continue to dominate, traditional media outlets face more challenges than ever. The Onion’s ability to adapt to these changes has been key to its continued success. It has expanded from print to online content, podcasts, and even video. However, its commitment to sharp, clever satire has never wavered.
With more people relying on social media for their news, the line between real and fake is often blurred. Wenc believes that The Onion’s ability to make readers question the authenticity of the news is more important than ever. “In an age where we are bombarded with headlines all the time, it’s easy to become numb to it all,” Wenc says. “But satire allows us to stop and think, ‘Wait a minute—what’s really going on here?’”
As The Onion celebrates its 40th anniversary, it shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, its influence is only expanding as it continues to shape how people engage with the news, providing a much-needed outlet for humor, reflection, and, of course, a little bit of fake news.
