Why, when someone asks a facetious question, with sarcastic backup, do most readers NOT "get it"?

Question

"...Irish Eyes..." asked about gay marriage a few minutes ago, giving all the "reasons" it shouldn't be allowed, but she was stating each one with tongue in cheek. Answerers wrote back as if she had been serious. Are we this dense???? No wonder there is such turmoil and strife in the world. Hey, all you Chicken Littles, believe this??: the sky is falling????

Answer 1

It is probably those dumb democrats, they don't seem to understand crap.

Answer 2

You have to understand a few issues at play here, and none have to do with percieved intelligence.

First, tone of voice is very difficult to read from text. Sarcasm is a wonderful tool, but is most effective when heard. If the written sarcasm were "spelled out" for the reader, it's purpose would be defeated.

Second, an anonymous forum such as "Yahoo Answers" affords people the luxury of typing whatever they choose, regardless of what they really think.

Third, it would be ridiculous to expect anyone to take serious time and consideration to read a question, understand the poser's point of view, contemplate an answer, and articulate it through the typed word. Certainly, there are those who would, but not everyone.

Last, the opposite point must be made- not everyone is going to take the time to read each and every answer and contemplate why the person answered in such a way- perhaps they DID catch onto the sarcasm, and YOU didn't catch theirs? Perhaps they aren't as skilled to convey effective sarcasm? Either way, tone from their response is just as difficult to read as it is from your question.

Answer 3

Oh, for crying out loud, now the sky is falling?

I don't have time to write a detailed answer here, I've got tarp and two by fours to buy at Wal-Mart. (Goodness, I hope they are open late tonight...)

I just don't understand why this wasn't on Fox News this morning. And hey, one would think that Bill O'Reilly would have been all over this last Friday.

It must be the damn liberal media's fault...

Answer 4

I think the point of Yahoo answers are for people with serious questions. If you want to have play time go back to the chat rooms. I just don't see this area as a fun and games place. 99.9% of the people have a serious question that needs a serious answer. that .01% of stupid question and tounge in cheek as you say is a waste of time for those trying to help.

Answer 5

Because the gay community doesn't see any humor in anything. That what your friend asked is controversial. But gays are defensive, like a cornered dog w/rabies. They will lash out @ anything U try and convey to them in a lighthearted manner. You must assimilate.

Answer 6

Because being gay is wrong and everyone knows it. It is a hot issue.
BTW- I love people, even if they choose to do something wrong like being sexually involved outside of marriage with someone of the same gender. Therefore I am not a homophobe (taboo). I even have friends who struggle with being attracted to the same gender. God calls us to holiness (including myself).

Answer 7

sometimes people, just don't take things as serious as everyone else would like, and ask things to take the devils advocates side,
she or any one in that matter probably didn't set out to hurt any ones feelings just to test their limits

Answer 8

innovations: Oh God. I would desire to bypass with the aid of THIS now? T_T Voice: KK useful basically positioned your finger on a letter that's on the keyboard no longer the alphabet chart and w-r-i-t-e w-o-r-d-s. :)

Answer 9

you realise the majority of people answering are american who are bloody famous for not getting sarcasm its like their thing. What "Irish eyes" question?

Answer 10

Some times it is hard to tell.My questions are usually misunderstood.

Answer 11

Maybe everybody is just not as smart as you!