Sarcasm as a Vice to Avoid

In an examination of conscience, we may think deeply about ways we have offended God and others. The Ten Commandments, and a good reflection of our thoughts, behaviors and actions help us to determine whether we have sinned in some varying degree especially when as practicing Catholics we go to Confession. With that said, is being a sarcastic person a sin? Is using sarcasm a sin? Satire used to demonstrate a good, moral point of view or with an intention of good and not evil is not the discussion here. When sarcasm becomes negative-centered, rude toward, others, and demeaning, it is indeed a vice to avoid.

What is Negative-Centered Sarcasm

Sarcasm may not be listed in many of the Catholic examination of conscience reflections for the Sacrament of Confession, but when the root objective is not life-giving, affirming, and kindness-centered, it falls into the categories of pridefulness and uncharitable behavior. Negative-centered sarcasm at its base is ill-mannered, discourteous, and degrading. Dark humor toward a group or individual, back-handed “compliments,” mimicking someone, embarrassing a person in front of others for a laugh, social media bullying with a sarcastic tone, commenting negatively about someone’s looks, clothing, work performance, or any other personal aspect also fall into the category of negative-centered sarcasm. The list of behaviors goes on. It is something to take to Confession when we use sarcasm to shame or humiliate a person to make us feel better about ourselves.

Breaking the Cycle

It has been said that hurt people hurt people. This gives a reason and an understanding at to why sarcastic behavior is a vice to avoid. At its root, it is not affirmative or positive-centered behavior especially when it involves cruel words to others masked as “just joking.” As we never know what other people are going through, negative-centered sarcasm has the power to tear down someone when they are feeling low. We never really know what is in another’s heart. That sarcastic comment could push someone even lower which therefore makes it a sinful behavior when disguised as so-called "good humor".

To break the cycle, pray more often to the Lord to help you to love others as he loves you. Be a good listener, use your words to affirm and lift others and not to destroy. Call on the Holy Spirit to be more Christ-like by loving those who feel rejected and ostracized instead of adding to the problem through negative-centered sarcasm and bullying. God will guide you to pause before speaking and by being a more genuine and caring in imitation of Christ. When you are tempted to be sarcastic and shaming toward others, instead offer a prayer and ask God to guide you through the Holy Spirit.