We Maltese have a problem with satire. We simply abhor being the subject of it. We have seen it time and time again.

Whether it is between friends, in comics, in plays, songs or anything else in between, Maltese people have serious issues when it comes to being the subject of satire or a joke. Of course, there is a very fine line. Just look at what happened in Denmark when a cartoonist drew a piece featuring the prophet Mohammed with a bomb in his turban. When one considers that Islam forbids the depiction of the prophet, it was bound to cause outrage.

But, at the other end of the yardstick, there are cartoons, plays and songs performed all over the world that poke fun, jibe, and are very satirical about political and national leaders. Spitting Image, the unforgettable British television production featuring the use of puppets in very uncompromising situations is a perfect example.

It is rumoured that the Iron Lady herself, Margaret Thatcher never missed an episode for two reasons; the first being that she found it very funny and second, she learned from it and read between the lines to find the political undertones.

This is part and parcel of our democracy. We say we are truly European, but we are also Mediterranean and we also have throwbacks to our Arab times. Our language, mannerisms, tableside behaviour, jealous streak, ability to haggle… this is fact. It seems that our attitude towards satire is very similar to the attitudes taken towards it in North Africa – most notably in terms of laws ‘protecting’ politicians.

In fact, if we look back through our history, we will see that the only real ways people could express satire was through traditional għana music and carnival. It almost seems as though when we are subject of the ‘joke’, we cannot tell the difference between satire and filth. Conversely, in the same way, we can also get confused between what is satire and what is filth when we are trying to ‘make the joke’.

The truth is, we just don’t really have a good understanding of satire and it is almost a taboo in this country. But we have to admit it, we are oversensitive. The recent issue with the Zoo production was one to highlight. It seems that the cast had to censor the show because the authorities were not happy with the way shoes were thrown at political figures and the President as part of a satirical contest. The producers have clarified their position and it is amply clear, this was acceptable and quite entertaining (and witty) satire. It was not, what we termed earlier ‘filth’.

It is a shame that a good and well thought out production is censored when the intentions were genuine. On the other hand, the law must get involved when someone oversteps the mark. This has happened before. Perhaps the law ought to focus more on the much tainted blogosphere, rather than issues such as those highlighted.