The Dangers of Sarcasm: Choosing Kindness Over Words

In the corporate world, Management by Sarcasm is quite popular term. Often the bosses use this method to fire people or to disapprove the idea. I have been victim of sarcasm many times.

Sarcasm is a form of verbal abuse in which individuals say the opposite of what they mean to mock someone or something, show irritation, or be humorous. In sarcasm, what seems like praise is actually a caustic remark, and it is signaled by a change in intonation. For example, if someone makes a mistake, you might respond with “Oh well done!” Because sarcasm can easily come across as rude, it is important to use it carefully. Sarcasm is sometimes used as merely a synonym of irony, but the word has a more specific sense: irony that’s meant to mock or convey contempt.

Words that tear down or kill

People are not only hurt by physical beatings. Words can quickly break down a person’s self-confidence to nothing. Sarcasm or verbal abuse that tells … you are fool or you have made a blunder, can do a lot of damage or harm, which can last for years. All those are no excuse for such behaviour. Words can be lethal at times, depending upon the situation or mental health of the person receiving it.

Sarcasm Hurts and Offends

Though it’s often camouflaged as humor, sarcasm is really just a convenient way for people to express hurt feelings, criticize others, or disapprove of some action without actually coming out and saying what’s on their minds.

Examples of Sarcasm

I remember a story from our office – Once the colleague was presenting his improvement project to the boss. He was excited about the work he has done and prepared a great presentation, was expecting praise. Instead of the praise, boss comment was – “Do you have so much free time free for making such a beautifully designed slides”. And he walked away only with this remark. Sadly the colleague collapsed with such sarcasm, because he was bit sentimental and weak hearted. He could never gather the courage to present to his boss again.

Once we were on a visit to the customer for presenting regarding a complaint. My colleague presented to the customer about technical reasons of failure. Customer representative only asked one question to my colleague – Are you an Engineer and if yes, please bring your degree certificate next time and show me. And he went away without any remark on technical presentation. Later, we checked with his assistant and he said he did not like the explaination you preasented. My colleague was upset over the incidence for a long time and he never visited that customer again.

Words and the way someone says them can make you feel sad, angry, embarrassed, anxious, scared, helpless, alone. Emotional abuse is not a one-time thing. It can happen over and over. It continues even after you tell the person the words are hurting your feelings and ask them to stop.

Sarcasm in relationships

Sarcasm is also used by few in the houses or in relationships. If you have to give feedback on the food prepared by wife, the sarcastic remarks can be “ohh dear I have never tasted such a delicious food and there is no chance I will taste it again in my lifetime”. This may look like compliment but actually it is sarcastic remark to say that the food taste is not so good. This can be toxic in relationship and can lead to break-up or separation. But even after the separation, the lady will carry the scars made by these words.

When you resort to sarcasm to get a point across in a disguised manner, it demonstrates a lack of conviction and courage to say what you really mean. Although an occasional sarcastic remark may seem harmless, remember that people judge your character every day by what you say as well as how you act. The collective result of those judgments is your reputation.

Hence, I would give up on the word Sarcasm. Let us spread Love and Kindness instead of verbal abuse. Let us use good words instead, which will motivate others.

What about you? Do you agree with me on this. Share your opinion in the comments.

Thank you for stopping by and reading my post.

Stay Happy and away from Sarcasm.

Keep Smiling.