Quote:
Originally Posted by shesaboutspirit
Here's the Webster definition:
1 : a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain <tired of continual sarcasms>
2 a : a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual b : the use or language of sarcasm <this is no time to indulge in sarcasm> |
Based on those definitions, (with the
possible exception of irony) I can see no constructive use for sarcasm.
I think that sarcasm can be perceived as mean a whole lot more often than people think or intend it to. Certainly YMMV, but the show Seinfeld, for me, was intolerably unkind. I never felt better or more loving or compassionate or happier after watching it. So I stopped.
In a LoA sense, I think it can do even more harm than hurting others who hear it. LoA would suggest (and I have experienced) that sarcasm can harm the sayer as well. In my case, heavy use of sarcasm made me think more negatively as a habit. As a minor example, when there was a beautiful sunset (something often magnificent where I live) I'd often say, "Hey guys! Ugly sunset alert!" On some level, that did affect my appreciation for the sunset for the worst. When I changed my language to the more positive, I found that those same sunsets had more brilliance for me. I felt better.
I still slip up and use sarcasm sometimes, but it's something I've been putting real energy on changing about myself.