“Gulliver’s Travels” was a satire on government corruption and religious intolerance during his time, seems the problem is universal and timeless. Through the centuries there have been great “satirists” who shared their opinions and philosophical insight using humor. [a spoonful of sugar makes the medicine go down]. There are satirical passages in the Bible, Plato and Socrates used it and most certainly Mr. Shakespeare.
Great political leaders and other greats often speak with tongue firmly implanted in their cheek. When we commoners use it, it is often followed by the phrase “You know I am just kidding, right.” I have often been misunderstood when making a statement or an observation, sometimes my satire is mistaken for sarcasm.
One example-I recently observed, at an event I was attending that their was an obvious lack of organization. I pointed that fact out to another attendee and he said “It’s not your job to point that out !” ,“No ,it is not my job, if it was they would be paying ME and not the guy who is taking their money” and before I could even get my tongue in my cheek these words came out . I really do understand why I have been called an a#####e at times, I have a genetic predisposition to sarcasm, my Mother had it and I have passed it down to several of my children, for which I am sorry. [as children the often got in trouble for saying things I thought of myself].
Someone just reminded me that “Sarcasm is wasted on those who don’t get it”, which simply means I cannot insult stupid people. Seldom is it my intent to belittle or make fun of anyone, but sometimes it just slips out. When I am forced to think of something “smart” to say I usually can’t or it is many hours or even days later when I do. When I have been on the receiving end of sarcasm , I usually just let it go and smile because I do enjoy that kind of humor regardless of the source. I recently played a “Priest” in a movie about the Crusades and on the way to the set I was talking to a small, young, “Crusader” and soon realized it was a stunt woman dressed as a man I asked her name and she told me it was Jennifer, “Oh, Jenn of Arc” I said “Yes, Father Factious” she replied.
I love a quick, witty response. Take the chip off, lighten up, life is hard enough right now, enjoy a joke be the butt of one if need be, people love people who can laugh at themselves.
For life to be more fun, try to be less sensitive, less gullible, learn to LAUGH at yourself
[or at least at the person next to you.]
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