Thread: Sarcasm
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Old 04-26-2007, 10:12 PM   #12 (permalink)
InJoy
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Quote:
Originally Posted by shesaboutspirit View Post

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.
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