Sarcasm: The tool for success

I believe that sarcasm is a positive force in this world. Really. Often, sarcasm is cast negatively, or those who don’t understand the inner workings of sarcasm become offended quickly. Sarcasm, used properly, is a good tool in the box of social abilities. Sarcasm can tell you whether or not people are perceptive and intelligent, help you make friends, advance on the social ladder, and have a good laugh.

Sarcasm can be a good indicator for a person’s intelligence, perception, and patience. Sarcasm shows that the the sarcastic are witty, and can analyze word choices quickly to make subtle and sophisticated comments about said word choices. If you make a sarcastic comment, and the other person just stares at you like a dead fish, do you think they are the right person for the job? Whatever your decision, it probably was correct. In fact, recent studies suggest that those who cannot pick up upon sarcasm may have a damaged prefrontal-lobe. This could be valuable knowledge if you were an employer. If a possible applicant for a position at your workplace could not pick up on your sarcasm, they could have minor brain injuries. Would you want to hire someone who will have potentially expense medical coverage?

Sarcasm has other practical and social applications. Sarcasm can give a hint at whether or not a relationship will work out. If a CEO or a boss makes a sarcastic remark, some of their underlings may pick up on the joke and smile or laugh. They are more likely to gain favor with the leader faster than those would did not pick up on the sarcasm. Also, sarcasm is a social tool for making relationships. Naturally sarcastic people are more likely to become friends with each other than they are with the non-sarcastic. New studies claim that sarcasm is an evolved trait that occurred among early humans. The ability to use and recognize sarcasm was integral to advancing up the social ladder, and thus became a large factor in the gene pool.

Sarcasm is a excellent way to the lighten the mood. Often, when used at the right moment, it can influence during the very course of your life. In fact, I am confident that everyone can think of a point where sarcasm changed a preconceived notion. Despite its negative connotations, sarcasm truly is a positive force. The ability to understand, create, and recognize sarcasm is essential to one’s social success in life. It also is a practical tool that reveals much about a person without their knowledge. Without sarcasm, you wouldn’t be able to crumple up this sheet of paper and just laugh.