Social Commentary Satire Quotes

“Nick sat alone reading a copy of The Independent . Cocaine socialists were trying their hardest to juice up Britain's economy with super casinos”
― Saira Viola, Jukebox: A thrilling crime satire

“All these people are suffering without the tools to end their own suffering. And we who have the tools refuse to do anything about it because the people who take action are criticized? Oh, that's all very well, but then, what action do I ever take? In my defense, I'm very tired, and I don't have any good ideas.”
― Sally Rooney, Beautiful World, Where Are You

“The message is clearly that any right-thinking woman should understand her inherent, natural deficiencies and immediately set off on a lifelong journey of self-discovery and inevitable self-improvement, and probably forgo external things such as the world, life, and work.”
― Marie Henein, Nothing But the Truth

“Joshua took another small sip from his wine glass as his gaze and his thoughts drifted away from the flat-screen television mounted above the marbled fireplace to ponder a roomful of sports jackets and pantsuits and in some cases cocktail dresses but only of neutral tones and minimal detailing if for no other reason than to avoid becoming the subject of the next petty scandal that would nevertheless send shockwaves through their haughty and insular world. The way they stood in their intimate clusters. Their drink glasses held in various poses of sophistication. And whenever they did bring glass to mouth in accordance with judiciously preset intervals it was also for show, as he believed was true of their subdued conversations, which, from where he was sitting, appeared to be nothing more than the unintelligible murmurings of barely moving lips. A whole list of observations came to mind. Not one of them flattering in any way. The atmosphere thick with that certain stuffiness and elitist redolence of an ivy league alumni fundraising gala. Of course, he readily admitted to himself that out of everyone in the room he was very likely the most materially bereft and least credentialed and that this stinging truth undoubtedly inflamed his plebeian impulse. But that’s not what was bugging him.”
― Casey Fisher, The Subtle Cause

“Bizzaro Time by Stewart Stafford

I took dawn selfies on a bridge,
Geneva worms conferred in slime,
A woman's dog slithered serpentine,
It snapped and hissed in bizarro time.

A businessman's briefcase in flight,
Went public in a philanthropist sky,
Umbrellas blossomed into trees,
Peacenik pigeon medal caught the eye.

Coffee shops served liquid light,
Brewed up pagan code of yore,
Pedestrians' morphed molten form,
Glass-blown in tangerine pour.

We shared loop shrugs, muted pleas,
Sober intoxication's escapist twist,
A uniquely-marketed Tuesday morn,
Dreamt up to commodify every tryst.

© 2025, Stewart Stafford. All rights reserved.”
― Stewart Stafford