How to be humorous without hurting others?
61Sarcasm Hurts
Sarcasm is only funny to the person telling the joke. I know this from experience. I used to be very sarcastic and it almost cost me my job. If people do not know you very well, they will not understand that the point you are making (be it a mere observation) is not intended to be hurtful. As a teacher, I have learned that because I am a role model, students look up to me and I can't very well joke around with them using sarcasm. "Yes, little Johnny, I will be knocking your heads together if you don't stop goofing off in class." This example would not go over well, even if little Johnny knew me well. I would be getting a call from my boss after Johnny went home and told his parents that I threatened him with physical violence.
Next point. Even if you know the person well, say your spouse or signf other, you don't know if they are feeling insecure that day, or if they are concerned about the future of your relationship. You might just say something off the cuff that really hurts them and you can't take it back. Basically, people become numb after a while and don't listen at all. Sarcasm can really damage relationships.
One possible solution is to think before you speak and ask yourself, is it necessary, is it loving, is it kind? The key is to uplift your friends and loved ones, not put them down. My favorite kind of comedy is slap-stick; when people fall down, pie in the face, self-embarrassment. Also, if you just got to have a laugh, pick up some joke books at Borders. There are hundreds sure to tickle your funny bone.
Hope this helps
God Bless, DB
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Comments
You have answered my hub request, thanks.
Yes, it depends on the qualities of the joker(!) and the receiver. Tolerance is expected when sarcasm is there :)
Great hub! Sadly many today use sarcasm because it has somehow become "cool" in many communities. All we can do is to fight it wherever we see it. I think once people realize that their sarcasm hurts others, they will likely stop. Check out this article on sarcasm. It has some good information I think.











Rochelle Frank says:
18 months ago
I strongly agree, both as a teacher and a humor writer. Very similar to one of the points I made in my "How to write Humor" hub.