Why I Do Not Like Sarcasm
72These days I have been living in the land of the introverted and I just really have come to not like sarcasm. I work with people that love sarcasm, I talk to people that love sarcasm, and I read the writing of people who employ sarcasm. To me after awhile sarcasm is just overrated and overused. If someone really bothers you and you cannot stand what they write, why continue with the sarcastic responses? Also, another thing I just would like to point out is if someone writes a hub with what you consider to be a narrow agenda and you go to said hub and use sarcasm as a laugh, or you continue to tell them they have a weak argument, basically you are wasting time. The hub writer is not going to be changing their opinion, and thus the comments just go on and on with two different sides opposing each other. It is one thing if you think this is a fun time, but since I am pursuing more introverted pursuits these days I am not sure why people love the argument and debates over issues where everyone has already made up there mind.
Another thing I suppose that does not bother me is when people delete comments. Big deal, they deleted a comment and it is certainly not the end of the world. I have written perfectly thoughtful comments that were deleted before, and I never felt bad about it. Lately I am practicing an introversion where I curb all desire to post on hubs that I now will just start an argument war. Even if you think a hub does not have a sound debate behind it I can guarantee one hundred percent of the time the person who wrote the hub put it up to get a reaction. If hub writing is telling people they are wrong constantly, and said people keep going back to plead their case on this hub, what is it accomplishing?
This is my introverted stance on the issue, I do not wish to argue with people anymore because it is pointless and a creative drain. When I see a hub I do not agree with I do not feel the desire to make comments on said hub. Also, making parody of those hubs may be fun in the moment, but over time these hubs will not garner a large amount of web traffic anyway. The how to hubs, history hubs, science hubs, and entertainment hubs will continue to have more steady traffic over time than just debating about one narrow view point hub.
So the person who wrote the hub goes against your beliefs and you need to let them know this, why not just forget it for a few hours. Will you feel the same urge to comment there if you take some time away? Probably not. When people go to their hub and disagree with them that is the reaction they were looking for, and you played right into their hands. Reactions seem to be fun and popular for some, but really I am just finding it circular.
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Hi William,
If people want to that is their choice, but I just feel this let's argue over the hub where someone is not going to change their mind is going to the land of nowhere. Hey though, that is just me, and to each his own.
It's short, but nicely written SweetiePie. I think you have written what you wanted to, no more no less. Thumbs up!
I admit, I need sarcasm rehab :)
Yes, Sweetie-I have a tendency to agree with you. LOL. I guess don't underestimate the lassitude and boredom generated by a rainy day weekend. I've never had a post or comment deleted--perhaps because I can be ironic, but not necessarily (in true character), sarcastic. And as Teresa McGurk pointed out (and see, this is why discussion is good--you come across good stuff sometimes), there is a difference between an argument and cant.
Completely agree with the term 'circular,' especially with some writers.
Hi Sweetiepie. I should listen to you more often, but then again, you know I have major problems:)
Hi Sweetiepie
I am not entirely guilt free as far as this subject goes but what i have realized over the short period i have been hubbing is to learn how to receive what you dish out as sometimes threads (in comments and in forums) are not for the fainthearted. And you are right, you can always opt to not participate. :D
Hi Sweetiepie :0)
2 Big thumbs up and very mature !!!! You have your head screwd on right ;0)
Keep them coming!!! Mike :0)
Weblog,
It is just my thoughts and issue, short and too the point. Thanks for dropping by and commenting :).
Uninvited Writer,
Sarcasm can be funny from time to time, but I have never seen you use it all the much honestly. I think I am just more introverted and tired of arguing with the one sided hub people, so I just do not comment on those hubs anymore. The comments can be very entertaining though. Thanks for commenting.
Lita,
I enjoy your writings and comments immensely. I do not see you are sarcastic at all honestly. All I was expressing in this hub is I know there is one hub that is really frustrating a lot of people right now because the lady has one view, but all the best and well researched comments in the world are a waste of time there because she is only going to see what she wants to see. It is not the first time I have seen a circular situation before, but I think even commenting on that hub feeds into the cycle. This is just my personal opinion though because I do not want to participate in those type of discussions anymore because I find them stressful. I might learn something from reading heated discussions, but I feel better staying a mile away.
rockinjoe,
Each person should do what is right for them. I think this hub was my realization that introversion is where I truly am not not being a big socializer anywhere. I like to talk to people on hubpages, but the heated discussion just seem to be too much work personally. You have to keep thinking of pithy and clever things to say, and after awhile that is exhausting.
CrisA,
I used to want to make comments on hubs that opposed my view point, but I no longer do so because I feel it is not for me. Those comments I made never changed anyone's mind, so this is just my take on things I suppose. I have never been a very sarcastic person either, so even I sometimes have to stop and think when someone is using sarcasm. My humor is more of the kind that I am funny without realizing it, and it can be very hysterical because it is improtu. I like this type of humor, so I am just learning as time goes by even though I want to participate in certain hubs, I have never to gain by doing so because I would either be lambasted, my points would be lost in the discussion, and at the end of the day I would not earn anything. Keep in mind these are just all my own observations here.
mike,
This is just my view on the matter right now, and I am feeling pretty good about it actually. Thanks for commenting.
Good you are using your voice Sweetie. You need to speak up when things annoy you to this point. Then take that revived new self and apply the new found energy to your creative self. Your creativity will flourish I would bet on it!
Hi C.S. Alexis,
Yes I do feel more creative without my constantly wanting to participate in the discussions that I know are not good for me. I am a little fainthearted maybe as some have pointed out, but hey that is why never should have participated in some hubs and discussions in the first place. Thanks for the support.
I suppose I could argue with this hub. but I choose not to. Very well written and straight to the point.
I like to use my online time to be inspired, motivated or entertained. Don't find getting involved in arguments or debates a good use of my time. After over 12 years online, this works well for me, but I understand everyone is different, some enjoy debates.
You are wise in following your nature which is to steer away from what drains you personally.
Good hub, Sweetiepie.
Sirdent,
I guess you really want to argue with this hub, and you are welcome to disagree with me if something is really bothering you about it. Why I wrote it is because I really do not see the point of clashing on hubs personally. However, I realize people will forever want to debate, argue, and have circular discussions, but to me these just go in circles. Thanks for stopping by.
VioletSun,
VioletSun,
To me I finally have had to decide to go this route. Every time in the past when I published a hub that might start a debate I felt so uncomfortable and I knew something was not right. The right has been for me to stir clear of that for my own happiness sake. I feel better when I write a crafting hub than a hub about a topic that starts a debate. Oh well, I am the worst debater in the US perhaps.
Sirdent,
I guess you really want to argue with this hub, and you are welcome to disagree with me if something is really bothering you about it. Why I wrote it is because I really do not see the point of clashing on hubs personally. However, I realize people will forever want to debate, argue, and have circular discussions, but to me these just go in circles. Thanks for stopping by.
VioletSun,
To me I finally have had to decide to go this route. Every time in the past when I published a hub that might start a debate I felt so uncomfortable and I knew something was not right. The right has been for me to stir clear of that for my own happiness sake. I feel better when I write a crafting hub than a hub about a topic that starts a debate. Oh well, I am the worst debater in the US perhaps.
I was only joking SweetiePie. I am tired of arguing also.
I get what you mean :).
well said! I can't find anything to argue about!
Letting it rest a while, counting to 10 as they say, is usually a good technique :) Sometimes the time it takes to count to 10 is the time it takes to realize it's not worth your time to get into an argument, mostly because you're not going to take anything from it --just momentary release, if that :-) Good hub!
A little sarcasm - rather than an avalanche of it - can be useful. Too much is, I agree, boring.
I love sarcasm
I think too much sarcasim could also be read the wrong way by the hubber who wrote the article.
If Im having a bad day, and come across a comment that is sarcastic, I dont know if I should a. take it with a grain of salt or b. return the witty rude compliment back to the originator.
I have a sense of humor, but sometimes I don't 'get' the humor of others. lol.
Anyhow, enjoyed the read. : )
MellaViews,
This is a good point and something I would like to share to, sarcasm can sometime hurt a person's feelings. Also, I think some people emoploying sarcasm are not really concerned about that because they just want to make a humorous point, but once I learned once from some kids they did not like sarcasm all that much. One teacher I used to work with used sarcasm to get a laugh from his students, but a few shared how his comments were were hurting their feelings. If some kids do not love sarcasm, it is also good to keep in mind some of us adults are not as amused by it either. Sarcasm has its time and place, but sometimes impromptu humor is just more funny because it is less contrived and not used at the expense of others. Something about humor at the expense of other sort of is not my cut of tea either. Thanks for stopping by :).
Must agree with CW about that - some arguments end up being futile, but others end up being a great and interesting debate. I wandered over to one of Tom Mullen's Hubs recently, and we had a cracking debate - intelligent argument is always good.
You are right about the circular arguments - if somebody is too fixed in their viewpoint, then it becomes boring.
I have to admit, that sometimes I do enjoy sarcasm and I admit that I enjoy debates. I will, therefore, be especially aware of my words when posting comments to your hubs.
I happen to enjoy your writing. So, I'm glad you're continuing to post.
I also agree that deleting comments isn't all that big a deal. After all, it's your hub, you can do with it what you want.
I believe so, CW - good quote. Some reasoned debate is necessary
You hit the nail on the head - the fine line is the most important thing. It is too easy to cross from being opinionated to becoming a bully. I have nothing against sarcasm - Oscar Wilde is an example of a true master, but Sweetie is right about the danger of going too far.
Sweetie: Hope that the introvert thing is going well - sometimes the greatest wisdom comes from within. :)
I agree Sweetiepie, I think sarcasm, even witty clever sarcasm, is usually mean-spirited. I really dislike it, no matter whom it is aimed at.
Sweetie Pie Interesting to get your take on what for me can be quite a vexing issue. I dont believe it worth getting into a stubborn restating if views over and over again. Making a point or comment that is valid is fine. Remember a soft answer turnet away wrath and least said soonest mended. I agree it is not a good idea to get involved in energy draining issues. Well stated hub.
BDazzler,
I find freedom in being free from debates and sarcasm, but thanks for sharing your view points.
Rochelle,
I am glad you see what I mean. Sarcasm is still very overrated, and it would be nice if people did not use it at the expense of others.
sixtyorso,
You are probably right, I should have let the hub speak for itself. After awhile I was just repeating myself. Thanks for reading and commenting :).
Hi SweetiePie, I loved your comment in my Driving Miss Daisy Crazy hub (by the way, she already responded to you.) I prefer (inspiring, encouraging comments) over sarcasm anytime. Mean arguments drain me a lot.
Well put SweetiePie... I dont' mind sarcasm though, as long as it's not hurtful :)
Ripplemaker,
Your kind words are awesome. Thank you :)
Foxility,
Thanks for sharing.
Great hub and a big thumbs up. I believe Gandi's ways are far more effective in handling cases such as sarcasm. Kudos to you SweetiePie. Cheers to the loving informative hubbing style. Hugs:)
Very good point Dayzee. Thoreau and Gandi always had a very peaceful way of dealing with a myriad of issues. I always appreciate you uplifting comments.
I have decided that some people write to vent, some to inform, some to entertain, and some to hear the "sound" of their own writing, well maybe that's all of us to an extent. LOL
I'm with you on the non-arguing part. It's so exhausting. I love to read about a person's life, their opinion to a point, but mainly I prefer to be uplifted. I can read gloom in the papers, hear doom on TV, and hear debates in Congress -- guess that's life and certainly I've started my own debates on Hubs, but I have grown a little tired of even my own voice.
hahaha
The world's in a mess but being Chicken Little gains "little" ground - spreading good advice about how to survive hard economical times is wise and would get my attention. Telling me the world is going to end only scares me a little and creates more questions of "and... your point?"
Of course it's going to end. Doesn't everything? In the meantime....L I V E!!
If we can't improve it, must we dissect it and depress everyone as our only other choice?
No arguments from me here, Sweetie Pie...I aim to please. =))
This is just my new perspective on things I suppose. I used to go to those argumentative hubs and even write a few myself, but I finally had to stop. Someone even thought I was narrow minded because I stated my firm view on the subject and said I was not open up to other interpretations on a particular subject, but all I was trying to convey was I took said hub down because the debates were a drain. I can still read debates and learn, but sometimes you just really know you cannot debate and argue about things when you feel your perspective is different than someone else's.
I love to read your comments and perspectives Marisue, these are great :).
Yeah, like anyone is actually going to read this hub and agree with it, lol.
Good points. Some people like to argue just for the sake of arguing.
Casper,
I imagine many people will not agree with what I have to say lol.
Sweetie,
I do understand. I live with people who do not understand where I am coming from. I usually retreat to my room. I just try to be nice. In most of my comments I try to be up beat. All I can say is do not let them drag you down.
Comments like that do not upset me really, I just find I am not very sarcastic myself. Thanks for commenting.
William F. Torpey Level 2 Commenter 3 years ago
I can't argue with that, Sweetie Pie.