Title: The ‘bite’ of sarcasm - Today's Catholic
Headings: The ‘bite’ of sarcasm
The ‘bite’ of sarcasm
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Content: The intention of sarcasm is to diffuse, amuse or wound. It sometimes does the former two, and commonly does the latter. People often think they are being funny when they are being sarcastic. While frequently sarcasm elicits a chuckle, many times it is no laughing matter. Sarcasm is considered by psychologists to be a form of passive aggressive behavior. Hostile feelings are draped in irony, thus giving the speaker an excuse behind which to hide angry thoughts. Sarcasm might let off steam but it can be biting, and mean. If you address a sarcastic person, he may say, “I was just kidding” or “What’s wrong, can’t you take a joke?” thus cruelly twisting the fault on you, the listener, rather than the speaker taking responsibility for his own words. This might leave you speechless, feeling blamed for “taking something personally” or doubting the intention of the other.