Short of being weird about it, I frequently critique people. No, not in a judgmental way; it’s just that with so many ways a person could respond, I’m fascinated how people choose to react to the moment when it’s raw and unscripted. Since this is not a clinical assessment, the divulging of this habit is now likely causing friends of mine to avoid my next backyard barbeque or golf foursome. Still, there’s a trait I haven’t quite figured out even though many people seem to display it. It’s the ability to squeak out a bit of sarcasm in certain business or social settings. Not malicious, mind you, just an occasional zinger to let people know you hold an opinion on the subject at hand. Some might defend it as being facetious or street humor, others call it for what it is; snarky. Throw in an irritable, cranky attitude and you’ve got the makings of a bonifide snarkster. You know the type; you can always count on them to infuse some snarkiness into someone else’s response or character.
It doesn’t seem to be something you’re born with but rather a learned response; and it appears to be nurtured by the company you keep. In fact, some people have perfected this attribute to a habitual level; the snarkatudinal. They are never without a quick, sometimes humorous putdown at the expense of someone else. Of course, taking this self-expression too far would then put you into yet another, more complex category of a snarkapottamous. It’s at this point, it seems, that most casual pedestrian snarkmeisters would typically wince and seek to distance themselves from the conversation.
You may not even think about it before speaking, but depending on the group chemistry and the urge to fit in, the reaction of the moment comes across in true snarkiatric fashion. It’s a somewhat acquired taste and usually comes with a steady diet of bias and judgment. Most would agree it is fashionable in certain circles and can be worn inside, as you mock under your breath or outside in a more vocal expression; depending on the need to be seen as the person with the biting wit. And you could argue that perhaps the greatest need for a snarkendectomy would be at the highest levels of government where the level of unprofessionalism being displayed through obsessive mockery and full-on snarktivism has surpassed anything history has recorded in this country.
I know a little bit about this subject, for I am a recovering snarkaholic. It’s not something I’m proud of. Unfortunately, I didn’t have to look far to realize that taking the low road with negative, uncaring one-liners seems to be the standard operating procedure in many different settings. Especially among males, the negative response of a wisecracking snarkaransky has become accepted practice in placing the unsuspecting opponent at an emotional or mental disadvantage.
So here’s the thing. It’s easy to poke a little fun at our weaknesses but we can’t allow those weaknesses to be what defines us and what we default to doing without thinking. As believers, we need to be mindful that our Creator has bigger plans for us than when we get hung up over how clever or witty we can be. Avoid a reputation of insults and putdowns just to fit in. There’s no winner for that game. You’re allowing others to derail this journey you are on; you can’t be an example of Christ’s love or speak of the hope and peace He brings if you’re so busy taking a swipe at someone’s character or a situation that’s not meeting your expectations. As a matter of the heart, I suggest surrounding yourself with a fellowship of believers to help refocus. We get one chance at this life; be bold. Don’t be someone who caves to negative influences to fit in; because when you walk with the Spirit, you will stand out from the crowd.
Be that person.
“Three-minute exposure; a snapshot of life’s imperfect harmony,” by Stew McAuley.
Encouraging your Christian Worldview.
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