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Susan Jane McCulley's avatar

Sarcasm was a major food group in my family. It was a slippery weapon used to land a dig and then dodge and say it was a joke (subtext: in addition to whatever I'm digging you for, you have no sense of humor). Sarcasm, it's been said, is the weapon of the weak.

Kate Bennis's avatar

Oh, wow, Susan! I had never heard that before, that sarcasm is the weapon of the weak. So fascinating to view it through that lens. I read your comment to friends who do mediation and wondered what they'd think. They agree.

Selena Cozart's avatar

Kate, as a Philadelphian, for whom sarcasm is a second language, I have had to learn these valuable truths especially in my relationships and the workplace as an adult. Moving to the South where dissembling takes on the veneer of civility, it took me a moment (read decades) to began to read what was underneath a simple “bless your heart“. In Philadelphia sneer and Snark are bonding features and I love it there. It doesn’t translate well in Dixie.

Kate Bennis's avatar

So interesting! Of course, it makes sense that sarcasm is cultural and regional and familial. I'd not thought of how it rings in the South!

BadRedhead Media (Rachel)'s avatar

This resonates deeply. I also wonder if social media also seeps in - people want to get in the best reply, GIF, or share their own story as a way to correct people, often sarcastically. It's hurtful even from total randos.

Kate Bennis's avatar

Yes. And even harder to interpret in text rather than spoken.