SARCASM

Do you know the meaning of sarcasm? It is kind of ironic humour. I am British so we specialize in sarcasm! I am still a very sarcastic, cynical person but I used to be much worse. I think I've calmed down because I don't mix with other British people so often anymore.


I'll give you a simple example of sarcasm: ME: I love the music of SMAP. They are so talented. They deserve all the money they receive for their excellent singing and dancing. Oh, and I respect them for appearing of every damn commercial on TV. Oh, how I adore them.


I think sarcasm is the biggest difference between American and British people. Americans don't use sarcasm so much and I think they are generally less cynical than us Brits. I have a theory as to the reason why.


My theory goes like this: Britain used to be the world superpower about 100 years ago. Everybody loved the King and believed that Britain had a God-given right to rule the world. Then came the First World War in 1914. We trusted the government when they told us that the war would finish in a few months and many men happily went to war for their country. Four years later, over a million men had died in a horrific war that made the country bankrupt. After that, the British people never trusted their politicians again. What's more, Britain lost its power and watched as the US, its former colony, became the new world power.


Now British people never fully trust their government. If the government makes a decision, we immediately look for deeper reasons behind it. Americans have a deeper trust of their elected officials. Which is better- the bitter cynicism of the Brit or the friendly trusting nature of the American? You can decide!


Anyway, I am sometimes sarcastic in class but don't worry, I am never sarcastic to students about their English ability. That would be rude and therefore not funny! You can feel safe with me....maybe...

▼▽▼▼【講師】Anthony先生のバックナンバー━━━━━━━━ ・【SHOPPING】2009.11.20 (Fri)