“A sarcastic person has a superiority complex that can be cured only by the honesty of humility.”

—  Lawrence G. Lovasik

Much of our daily life is full of sarcasm. It’s so prevalent that we don’t often notice it because we’re constantly giving it, listening to it, reading it, and looking at it. If you don’t believe me, watch your Facebook or Twitter stream and count the sarcastic remarks.

While sarcasm can be a tension release, a defense mechanism or a great way to get a laugh, it’s also a trap.

The sarcasm glyph

The trap is sprung when we install ourselves on an alter of sarcasm that’s too high to climb down from, leaving us isolated.

The trap is sprung when our friends die off, poisoned by sarcasm once directed at others; now directed at them.

The trap is sprung when others look beyond our sarcastic responses for real solutions to real problems. And find nothing but bitterness.

The trap is sprung when our criticism of others becomes so engrained that we no longer see it for what it is.

The trap is sprung when a sarcastic response interrupts a sincere offer of help.

The trap is sprung when sarcasm is all that a helping hand finds.

The trap is sprung when earnest questions meet sarcastic replies which earn few friends.

Sarcasm has it’s place. A well-timed and clever retort can drive home a point, but it is also a trap. It’s a trap which drives away our friends and hurts good people trying to do good things.

Tonight, after a long 2-hour meeting, full of missteps and blunders, delays, and miscommunication, I was tempted to write a sarcastic post. In the end though, that would have done no good. The people running the meeting were hard working, compassionate people who deserve better.

Sarcasm is a trap. People deserve better.

Today’s gift of time … Attended a school meeting which had some problems. Nonetheless, the people running the meeting have the best intentions and noble purpose. It is the least I can do to not be critical, and instead try look for the positive.