Do Americans know sarcasm is classical bad manners in other cultures? That chatroom sarcasm is low culture?

Question

Having seen responses, I would add that I am American. Also, I would reference this past relevant 'Yahoo! ANSWERS' entry (search will locate):

Language and fall of Civilization?

I heard a lecture a long time ago which compared two language topics and how it closely correlates to fall of the culture that uses the language. One was an increase in the use of sarcasm which represents the last form of honest communication when all other forms have failed.

Answer 1

I thought sarcasm is considered ill mannered in most cultures because its purpose is to belittle someone else and cause a sense of humiliation and embarrassment.

Answer 2

Many other cultures use sarcasm. Some don't.
Sarcasm usually does not translate well in writing, so I can see how people of other cultures could get offended easily, but we don't usually intend our sarcasm to be offensive.
Just out of curiosity, where are you from? That might have aided in the responses you recieve.
What do you mean exactly when you say "chatroom sarcasm?"
Also, just to let you know, that first answer you recieved..........was sarcasm.

Answer 3

Do you know that not respecting other's cultures and mannerisms is bad manners also in other cultures?

Extreme sarcasm is great for comedy. It is also another way to express some problem in an entertaining light or indirectly.

Also keep in mind, this is the internet. Cultures collide and clash often. I grew up developing particular manners and the same with everyone else. Sure there are actions people do that annoy me but I try to be open minded towards their different ways of behaving.

Answer 4

You know, I'm tired of this idea that Americans should base everything around what the rest of the world thinks. Frankly, that really grills my cheese. If I visit a foreign country, then I will be sure to follow the etiguette rules in their country while I am there. When I'm in America, I'll do as Americans do.

Besides, not every culture in the world has pristine manners. In some places it is considered polite to blech at the table...so why are they right and we are wrong?

Answer 5

I know in other cultures sarcasm is rude. Sometimes they don't understand and take what you say literally. Then you have to explain sarcasm. . .

Answer 6

Well, seeing all the answers, I think you see how we feel about "sarcasm" while online...But I do agree and I do think that in face-to-face conversation, sarcasm is wrong & in poor taste, and just mean-spirited.

Oh--come on, I think chat rooms are the only place where adults can express how they REALLY feel, because everyone is invisible. So cut us some slack online.

Answer 7

The British, Irish and Scottish all use sarcasm, so I guess they are all rude????? No, I think you are making up your own rules.

Answer 8

Sarcasm is considered funny in the UK. We love laughing at ourselves.

Answer 9

Oh no! Have we offended you in some way? We sincerely apologize for your inability to accept different forms of cultural expression and suggest that you stick to your own culture if our "lack of manners" disturbs you so much.

Answer 10

My dear sir, how puerile and crass of you to give our American friends a bad time for having no culture, class, manners, education, sense or indeed a sarcastic wit. Have a little sympathy for them, it is not their fault, it is the fault of years of poor education (look at the standard of spelling) and gross stupidity (absolutely no humour). Bet I get more thumbs down for this answer than anyone else.