So just a disclaimer on my blogging skills... they don't really exist to forgive me if I violate any major codes or rules.
I'm continuing our discussion from the articles in class. I had a question that I think is interesting to bring up? (Mainly because I want to know others opinions.) I'm generally a sarcastic person, I think I use it as a safe guard. I find when I'm reading a piece that is riddled with sarcasm I tend to read the paper/book all the way through, laughing the entire time. I'm the type of person that likes to laugh and have grown up with a very sarcastic family.
But is sarcasm really something that should be used in writing? Or is there some types of writing that sarcasm is appropriate?
I believe it is health to have a good happy grasp on life to were not everything is serious all the time. I think if you take most things with a grain of sand you will enjoy people, books, and opinions alot more than thinking everything is attacking you personally or your personal values or opinions. I've been on boths sides of the spectrum and prefer the lighter side. It keeps me healthier and happier.
I also believe in some cases where offece is likely no matter how you write your opinions or the facts, sarcasm may not be the best emotion to instill in the reader. Topics like rape or religion even can cause lots of offence and can turn anyone off. I know its a touchy way of writing, but its really fun to read!
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I would agree with you that a happy gasp in an article or story is a great method to keep one intrigued throughout a reading.
ReplyDeleteI thought it would be a boring piece on interrogation enhancements or improvements. During class, the article had me hook, line and sinker. He took something I wouldn't voluntarily pick up and read, let alone finish, and made it to where I got some kicks and giggles throughout the reading. Due to him making light of serious topics and human rights issues, he was ballsy enough to keep my interest.
I am one who always enjoys a good joke or sarcastic remark but, the author brought up a serious issue as well, that he maybe thought wasn't reported on enough or regarded as important as other current events then. I guess he tried to pull some of America's skeletons out of its closet.
For me the reading didn't offend me as it could have done to others, but when using pathos as rhetoric one should always be weary of the topic and audience. One of my favorite styles to read and write about.
I definitely agree that there is a time and place for sarcasm in writing. Like Kreams said, had the topic been portrayed in a usual serious manner, it would not have been a topic of conversation. In "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift, for example, many people may not have even realized how serious the population problems were at the time. In the same way, the article today spotlighted what was going on in a way that increased the number of people who would be interested in that article/topic. Plus, articles like this get people talking and spur change.
ReplyDeleteFor me, this satirical type of writing not only grabs my attention, but gets me to realize just how important an issue is. We see so many serious portrayals of things in the news that we become immune and forget that, yes, it's important. With sarcasm, we're drawn in, and see it in a new, and, ironically, more serious light in the end.
wow you have very good writing skills. I like when you said- "I think if you take most things with a *grain of sand* you will enjoy people, books, and opinions alot more than thinking everything is attacking you personally or your personal values or opinions." I feel that is SO true! Too many times people are quick to get defensive and offended.(me included)We need to relax, enjoy and learn from others opinions. We'd all be much happier people in the end.
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