The Realist (Prior revision dated Saturday 16 September 2023 03:18:13 -- @179)

The Realist was a pioneer in alternative journalism in America. Established by Paul Krassner in 1958, this magazine featured a mix of satire and radical journalism, challenging prevailing social and political norms of the time.

Content

Bobbing and weaving between satire and serious journalism, The Realist was unafraid to confront controversial topics or challenge the boundaries of acceptable discourse. The magazine featured articles covering various subjects such as politics, culture, and societal issues, often providing a contrarian viewpoint from the mainstream.

The Realist's nature for being unapologetically uncensored is highlighted through its display of cartoons and satirical pieces, often of an incendiary nature. Its unorthodox, thought-provoking content, played an instrumental role in influencing a generation of satirical publications like National Lampoon and The Onion.

Publication History

The Realist was not affiliated with any corporate interest or advertising, leading to a sporadic publication schedule dictated by donations from its readership. Its publication, though primarily monthly, varied greatly over its existence.

Started in the era of the nationally-condoned McCarthyism, The Realist began to reach broad audiences during the countercultural movements of the 1960s. The magazine served as a platform for numerous notable personalities, including Norman Mailer, Ken Kesey, and Lenny Bruce, among others.

Despite facing significant challenges throughout its lifetime, The Realist managed to remain in publication until 2001, covering four decades of tumultuous American history in its distinctly unabashed style.{{Categories}}