No Dark Sarcasm Annmarie October 15, 2014 Dear Ed Inquiry, Is sarcasm ever OK in the classroom? I am a sharp-witted secondary teacher who believes that the ability to use and understand sarcasm demonstrates intelligence. However, I have been told by professors, superiors, and colleagues that this is a major no-no. I would never dream of using sarcasm to shame or degrade a student, but being snarky is just part of me! What should I do? Just wanted a 4th opinion! Sincerely, No Dark Sarcasm Dear No Dark Sarcasm, Oh, I feel your pain. True story: When my son was in 3rd grade, his teacher called me and ask if we used sarcasm at home. Uh-oh. I could have lied, but I was honest, totally expecting a scolding. When I inquired why (thinking my child was being sarcastic with her), she admitted that to relieve stress, she sometimes made little sarcastic remarks, usually met with blank stares. Until my kid came along. She said she would look across the room to see him slapping his leg and shaking in a fit of laughter. More recently, he came home to report that his 11th grade teacher posed the question, “What language does your family speak?” He answered with, “Sarcasm!” Of course, knowing me well, she wasn’t surprised. Sigh. I will tell you that I have had to talk my way out of a pickle with a parent my second year of teaching because I upset her child with a snarky remark. Lesson learned. Not everyone gets or appreciates my brand of humor. You didn’t say what you teach, but I am going to offer a suggestion that will hopefully satisfy your need for snark and help your students learn how to discern author attitude. Consider teaching with a piece of writing that has a sarcastic tone, either literature or a non-fiction piece such as an editorial or argumentative article. That way, you get to use sarcasm as a teaching tool, increase the intelligence of your possibly sensitive charges, and avoid uncomfortable conversations that require you to eat crow (it is not tasty at all). I hope this helps! But, if you slip up, pull the “Oh, I used a sarcastic tone on purpose to test you” line. Some of them may get it, but those are the ones who won’t mind anyway! Sincerely, Ed Inquiry Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Currently you have JavaScript disabled. In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser.