Why is Sarcasm Appealing?

[GeckaWeot]

I admit, I find it amusing, hearing someone bitter and scathing go on about things that are so deserving, like bad games, or bad game cinematics, or bad accents, bad anything; good things, sometimes.But what I can't understand is why sarcasm and cynicism are so utterly enjoyable for people.

For instance, Zero Punctuation and Unskippable are so well enjoyed and so widely-renowned for the bitterness and/or satire with which they address various aspects of video games; people cheer on comics like Lewis Black and Bill Maher (and once upon a time cheered the late George Carlin) because these comics target the foibles of government and people and the people with a honed and biting edge.

So, good people of the Escapist's community, you who listen to these online entertainers, supping at the table of Yahtzee, Stark and Saunders...why do we enjoy it all so much?

 

[Marter]

It allows you to sound cool, as well as hide your true feelings towards something.

As to our enjoyment, I just find it funny, as a lot of the times, it seems more "true" as opposed to the real world.

 

[SnootyEnglishman]

Because sarcasm is a good way to tear up a bad aspect of a game or politics while still being humorous. I use it all the time when dealing with dumbshits who don't listen to logic.

 

[DoW Lowen]

They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I would have to agree, although it's still pretty darn effective.

But we enjoy sarcasm because it's a polite way of telling someone that you don't like them.

 

[PunkyMcGee]

They say sarcasm is the lowest form of wit. I would have to agree, although it's still pretty darn effective.

But we enjoy sarcasm because it's a polite way of telling someone that you don't like them.

you sound like my dad. but seriously that's what i was going to say

 

[SUPA FRANKY]

Because its funny and entertaining. Though I have to admit it can kinda make you sound like...a prick.

 

[GeckaWeot]

Because its funny and entertaining. Though I have to admit it can kinda make you sound like...a prick.

So is it easier to be funny as a prick? Or is it just a time/place thing?

 

[SUPA FRANKY]

Because its funny and entertaining. Though I have to admit it can kinda make you sound like...a prick.

So is it easier to be funny as a prick? Or is it just a time/place thing?

Personally, I think when you make fun of people/places/things its the funniest comedy, and when you make fun of someone or something you kinda are a prick, but that doesn't make you a TRUE prick.

I don't think that made sense either...

 

[Synek]

Because if someone get angry at you after a statement, it's easier to say you was sarcastic.

 

[iLikeHippos]

I don't find sarcasm appealing; It's too damn expensive.

 

[Plurralbles]

it's a good way to recover if someone doesn't like what you meant literally.

 

[Kiefer13]

Because it's just so damn original.

 

[ThrobbingEgo]

Because sarcasm is an application of irony and some people get a good reaction from irony. You may as well be asking why people enjoy humor, luckily such a question doesn't have to be as abstract and subjective as one would think.

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_dennett_cute_sexy_sweet_funny.html