Satire, Sin, and Poor Government in 17th-Century Mexico City

Satire has long been utilized to critique government officials for a failure to care for inhabitants, to provide or share resources to the downtrodden, to recognize rights of individuals and corporate entities, and to insure the fair administration of justice. In the case of 17^th-century Mexico City, one of the most effective ways to condemn the actions of government officials was to utilize popular religious ideas and practices to point out just how poorly certain officials (viceroys, alcaldes, and bishops) exercised their offices. Consequently, sin, especially the Seven Deadly Sins, confession, and even indulgences became common and comical devices, providing Novohispanic satire with a particular outrageous and picaresque quality. In addition, satire not only appeared as pasquinades and songs but also in popular ephemeral religious art and prayers.