Sarcasm

[Fawkes]

How constructive do you think its usage is in debates and arguments? I'm guiltier than most, I use sardonic sarcasm constantly and even did so earlier today, but I'm beginning to doubt its effectiveness. I mean, sure, it can be a really great tactic at exposing the stupidity/inconsistency of someone's arguments, but it also seems to have a really condescending effect to it. What it seems to say to me is "you're so stupid as to not even warrant an articulate and concise critique, so rather than waste my time spelling it out for you, I'll just expose why you're dumb". I don't care how crazy or ignorant someone's views are, demoralizing them and making them feel stupid is never really constructive and seems more likely to further solidify their beliefs than encourage them to think critically. I know that this all obviously depends heavily on context, but still.... Am I just over thinking this?


And this is not in the CU or members' forum because I do not want this to be misconstrued as some kind of proposal or rule change (like those are worth shit anymore anyways :rolleyes:)

[Manic Impressive]

I agree it doesn't work well when you're trying to convince the person you are debating with. However, it can be a good tactic to use if you are trying to convince a third party observing the debate. A little humour can endear people to you and your argument. I don't think sarcasm works particularly well over the internet and neither does my other favourite, irony.

[praxis1966]

Cue sarcasm: People who don't like their beliefs being made fun of shouldn't have such funny beliefs.

On a more serious note, you're probably right. I'm completely guilty of being mocking, derisive, condescending and sarcastic especially when disagreeing with people who aren't revolutionary leftists of some stripe. I actually made a conscious decision a long time ago to go eye for eye, tooth for tooth with reactionaries. Mostly, it has to do with the fact that I think most of them are obnoxious, condescending dullards who deserve everything I dish out, never mind for a moment that liberals seem to be preoccupied with being polite so somebody's gotta do it.

Is this constructive? Probably not. Does it make me feel good when I humiliate a right winger? Definitely. Besides, I'm probably not actually going to convince them of anything anyway, so I figure I might as well have a little fun and exact an amount of revenge, however minute, upon them.

[Decolonize The Left]

Context is key.

Sarcasm will not win over any reactionaries or anyone one the defensive. Sarcasm is really only effective in debate when there are numerous parties involved and by employing sarcasm in regards to one party, your argument appears sharper to another. If this tactic is to be effective, however, you need to couple your biting sarcasm with a calm delivery of well-articulated arguments to begin with so that you appear to be derisive only due to the idiocy of the other party.

- August

[black magick hustla]

sarcasm is so old, the new thing is feigned sincereity

[Kamos]

It's very useful.

[Dumb]

A little goes a long way. Generally, only use it when you know it's a perfect time to use it, and only use it when you know for sure that you're right. I've had people give me sarcastic comebacks on points in which I was able to prove without a doubt that they were wrong; their sarcasm made them appear just plain obstinate.

[Ilyich]

How constructive do you think its usage is in debates and arguments? I'm guiltier than most, I use sardonic sarcasm constantly and even did so earlier today, but I'm beginning to doubt its effectiveness. I mean, sure, it can be a really great tactic at exposing the stupidity/inconsistency of someone's arguments, but it also seems to have a really condescending effect to it. What it seems to say to me is "you're so stupid as to not even warrant an articulate and concise critique, so rather than waste my time spelling it out for you, I'll just expose why you're dumb". I don't care how crazy or ignorant someone's views are, demoralizing them and making them feel stupid is never really constructive and seems more likely to further solidify their beliefs than encourage them to think critically. I know that this all obviously depends heavily on context, but still.... Am I just over thinking this?


And this is not in the CU or members' forum because I do not want this to be misconstrued as some kind of proposal or rule change (like those are worth shit anymore anyways :rolleyes:)

I would certainly not use it on a website where there is no tone of voice.