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6/28/2004
The Bart Simpson Effect
 Sarcasm. The Simpsons made it mainstream, but even long before the work of Matt Groening, there were prominent comedians and actors who made sarcasm both comedic and famous. I have mixed feelings about the concept of sarcasm. It is a form of communication that has the capacity to be both powerful and destructive. When used with ill-intent, it can cut very deeply. It becomes a machete, decimating everything in its path. Contrarily, sarcasm can also be used carefully like a scalpel, cutting through to the heart of the matter. When used at the right time, it can convey far more than plain words. Even Jesus used sarcasm on occasion.
For the sake of clarity, I've decided to go to the book on the true definition of sarcasm. I am the nerd that loves word studies. According to Webster sar-casm is:1: a sharp and often satirical or ironic utterance designed to cut or give pain [tired of continual sarcasms]
2a: a mode of satirical wit depending for its effect on bitter, caustic, and often ironic language that is usually directed against an individual [this is no time to indulge in sarcasm] To top that off, when you follow the word's etymology, one of its Greek origins meant "to tear flesh, bite the lips in rage, sneer, or cut". Doesn't exactly sound like the most edifying form of communication. Yet, in this day ang age, we have made this a socially acceptable form of communication. Bottom line: 100% sarcastic communication is not only unhealthy, it's eating away relationships and families like cancer.
The problem these days is the motivation of our sarcasm. On a personal level, I am not generally, nor have I ever been a sarcastic person. I'm a blunt person. There is a difference. I have found however, that I tend to be a sarcastic thinker and have self-disciplined some of my thoughts to stop in my throat before exiting my mouth. The great part about writing is nothing is off limits. I have enough time to form my words so that the message is conveyed correctly. Thus, the hyperextension of my brain, called my blog probably carries more sarcasm than you'd find with me in the flesh. My overwhelming motivation (dispute me if you wish) is generally compassion. Hard to believe I'm sure, but my compassion isn't the "touchy feely" kind. It's the "get a grip and pull yourself together" kind. My desire has always been to convey truth in the most practical sense. Sometimes that means telling other famous people whom I will never meet how dumb I think they are. Admittedly, that aspect of myself needs work. I don't believe that sarcasm is a bad thing, however, it should be used in taste and moderation.
With sarcastic commentary, there are varying degrees of motivation. In the case of Jesus, it was love, compassion and his desire to teach the disciples. These days when I listen to others' sarcasm, I don't usually feel "the love". When you think of the Simpsons, you don't think (warm, loving, mashed potato-ey family). In fact, many popular television and movie familes over the last fifteen or so years have been plagued with sarcastic dialogue. Sure it makes for good comedy and ratings, but I question the effect it's had on the devaluation of the family.
One of the worst types of sarcasm is the kind that's rooted in hurt. Perhaps you've heard the saying before, "Hurt people hurt people." Sarcasm can become a defense mechanism for dealing with the world in the midst of one's unresolved hurt. Instead of making oneself vulnerable in conversation, everything gets shot down with a snide, cynical or sarcastic remark. People who ascribe to this form of communication are generally not much fun to be around which is good since they tend to be magnets for people just like them.
Then there's the sarcasm that's rooted in bitterness and disappointment with the world. Most of our modern-day sarcastic celebrities fit this category. This is the type of unrelenting sarcasm that draws crowds, sells books, and hikes up the ratings. This is what I can't stand about the Boondocks.
Any way you slice it, I think we need to rexamine this whole issue of sarcasm and its effects on our society. These days, people are raising their children up to be walking cynics. The television isn't helping. Nor is our lack of understanding about its detriments. I wrote this whole post without any sarcasm whatsoever. Yay for me.
posted by ambra at 6/28/2004 11:17:29 AM | link to this entry |
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