Sarcasm: One of the many services I offer.

I’m a big fan of sarcasm.  Its literal meaning is “tearing of the flesh.”  I love that!  The image is perfect.  And should be kind of scary.  And probably instill a sense of caution when using sarcasm as a form of conversation, communication, or comedy. 

Happily – using sarcasm is basically my favorite form of talking.  I’m sarcastic all the time.

Think about it.  Most comedians rely on sarcasm in some way.  To be a “young person” in America, you should probably have a decently thick skin and be prepared for verbal combat with a person by mastering sarcasm.  I, personally, have some pretty damn thick skin.  It’s almost impossible to hurt my “feelings.”  (Some people even argue that I have no feelings)  I love when my friends are sarcastic with me because I love to play verbal volleyball with them and see who’s sarcastic quips are best! 

Social networking is basically a breeding ground for sarcasm.  I never login to Facebook without the expectation of a sarcastic email, comment or at least seeing a sarcastic status update.  It’s everywhere and I love it.

I’ll admit that some people really don’t grasp the concept of sarcasm.  They think that if the “tone” is sarcastic, anything goes.  Snarky does not, by any means, equal sarcasm.  Sure, you can be snarkastic, but that’s completely different and should only be used between people who know each party can handle the rudeness.  For example, this week, my status update said, “Kristen is so glad she can wear sweats to work.”  The comment thread went like this:

Friend 1:  I need a job where I can wear sweats AND make $9/hour.

Friend 2:  I HAVE a job where I can wear sweats AND make MORE than $9/hour.

Within about 11 minutes, I deleted the comment from Friend 2.  How in God’s name is that something that should be said?!  Friend 2 ended up being mad that I deleted her comment and I emailed her to say that it was rude.  I even said, “Sarcasm is one thing, rudeness another.”  Her argument was that I “misread” her tone and she was only being sarcastic.  Somehow my point on the fact that tone isn’t everything was completely lost on her.  Point being: you can be sarcastic and not be a bitch.

I do my best not to be a bitch.  And have quite a few friends so I’m kind of assuming I’m doing alright with that goal.  Sure, deleting a comment looks bitchy, but, what the hell!?  She was being rude to someone she didn’t even know.

You know how in my first post I said I had no idea what I would write about?  Yeah, I still don’t.  This whole thing really had no point except that I love sarcasm.  As long as it’s actually sarcasm not snarkasm.