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Do Americans Really Understand Irony?
Let me start by saying that 'I am an American' Ok, there I have admitted it. But let me go on to make myself slightly more unpopular by suggesting that our American society does present us with a range of valuable and positive aspects. (no - I am not being ironic yet) Before you stop reading, let me counter that by suggesting what I see as the greatest fault of our modern society. A self absorbed US-centric attitude? A destructive ill conceived foreign policy that is destroying our reputation across the globe? No, neither of these. In my opinion the greatest tragedy is the lack of widespread irony in our daily lives and conversations. So what is irony? Let me start by explaining the concept, so that at least my fellow Americans can understand the idea even if they do not get it. Merriam Webster Dictionary (http://www.m-w.com) provides several definitions, with the following providing a succinct and accurate explanation: "the use of words to express something other than (and especially) the opposite of the literal meaning. So if I trip over and say 'Gee - I'm co-ordinated today', that would be an example of irony. The act of falling over is opposite to the literal words. I have used this example, because some of you may be thinking 'Hang on, but isn't that the same as sarcasm?' I could of course answer by saying 'Gee- aren't you clever today', but I will stick to the shorter answer of 'no'. Although I have provided a single definition of irony above, there are in fact several forms of irony. Sadly, for those people who mix and match these concepts - sarcasm is not one of these forms. The difficulty is that sarcasm is 'usually' said in an ironic way, but this is not always the case. In short, it is possible to have either sarcasm or irony without having the other. Going back to my original example where I fell over, if you had mocked me and said 'Gee - you're co-ordinated today', that would be sarcastic because of the scornful snigger. But as you will remember from above it is also defined as irony. However, if you had mocked my poor mishap by saying 'Gee - aren't you unco-ordinated', then you will have lost the touch of irony and simply descended to the lowest form of wit - sarcasm. (For a further explanation of the difference between these two concepts see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Irony#Irony_vs_Sarcasm) So in essence irony can be misunderstood as sarcasm because the two concepts do overlap. Sarcasm must have the mocking or sneering tone, and the confusion therefore arises because so often sarcasm occurs when making ironic statements which are positive when clearly something negative is intended. Just to be confusing, I note the potential for both parody and satire to incorporate both irony and sarcasm for even greater effect. (http://www.modern-masterpieces.com) So, do Americans really not understand irony? It would seem unlikely given its close connection with sarcasm, but still possible. It is true that many English comedians find the American circuit more difficult for this very reason. The fact that irony is used to different effect in the US does not mean that it is not used to significant and striking purpose. The world wide success of shows like The Simpsons and Seinfeld is partially attributed to their fantastic use of irony. These shows both allow ironic humor to seep out, in stark contrast to the more traditional comedy setups of so many American sitcoms, which are far more gag focussed. To conclude this section of self congratulatory praise for how us Americans DO actually understand and use irony, I note the two (American) Golden Globes awarded to the very ironic English sitcom The Office (http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/theoffice). What is that you say? The Globes are voted for by Hollywood's foreign press too, and this is likely to have been a big influence, especially given the relatively small scale success of the show in America. Ok, a fair comment I guess. But secondly, and far more distressingly, The Office has been remade for the US market. So, firstly we heap accolades on this fine piece of television and then we deconstruct it, de-irony it, Americanise it and repackage it. Perfect! I think the whole argument could be lost on this sad point alone. Do not distress however, the surge of irony is coming, and will not be stopped. It has been said that Americans take themselves too seriously to drop irony into everyday conversations. Well, there is little doubt in my mind that this is changing. Lines from shows such as The Simpsons are being copied and used by millions of children across this great land, and slowly but surely the old gags that amused former generations will give way to this higher form of humor - 'irony'. Well, I think that cleared up issue - not! Biography: Michael Watson studied English Literature at University, where he gained an interest in literary criticism particularly relating to drama and prose fiction. Michael has more recently focussed on genres of literature and literary techniques. As a side interest Michael manages http://www.thedreaminterpreter.com Bibliography: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talk:Irony#Irony_vs_Sarcasm http://www.modern-masterpieces.com
Latest News:Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for news [News] 5 O'Clock Shadow News you can't leave work without: Asamoah makes a deal News of record News of record reports for Chelan and Douglas counties Newport News police seek help on thefts from cars NEWPORT NEWS A rash of summer-night car break-ins and vandalism has police asking the public for help, and warning them to lock their vehicles. Newport News hit with rash of car break-ins NEWPORT NEWS -- Police are asking for help in solving a large number of car break-ins and vandalism cases in Newport News. According to police, 134 cases were reported in the area between J. Clyde Morris Blvd. and Oyster Point Road since June 1. Most of the incidents were between J. Clyde Morris and Middle Ground Blvd. and happened during the early evening hours. Police say many thefts happened ... NEWS ALERTS: Sign up to get breaking news on your mobile phone Get breaking local news as it happens. Enter your phone number: Standard Messaging Rates or other charges apply. To Opt-out text STOP to 4INFO (44636). For more information text HELP to 4INFO (44636). Contact your carrier for more details. Powered by 4INFO. Newport News police search for suspects in string of car thefts Newport News detectives are seeking assistance from the Community, in solving a large number of cases involving damage to, and larcenies from, cars. Newport News police seek information regarding larcenies and property damage NEWPORT NEWS -- Police are investigating 134 cases of damage to cars and larcenies from cars that occurred between June 1 and July 25, according to police. News in brief Here are a selection of brief news items from this week?s paper edition, and possibly a few news briefs that didn?t make it in the paper. Newport News townhouse damaged by fire NEWPORT NEWS A townhouse in the 1000 block of Willow Green Drive was damaged by fire this morning, fire officials said. One of the residents had minor burns to his hand, a Fire Department news release says. An off-duty city firefighter/medic helped evacuate the adjoining homes. News of the Past who has deep genealogical roots to Winston County, provides news from past editions of the Winston County Journal. The Winston County Board of Supervisors posted a notice of the new "Dog Law" which was passed in the July term. Site: news - Google News Arizona News Round Up - San Francisco Chronicle (blog)
MORE RESOURCES: Site: Yahoo! News Search Results for humor Mass. humor contest draws world's cartoonists Cartoonists from around the world are submitting works on the themes of freedom and the late Massachusetts Sen. Edward Kennedy for an international humor contest scheduled in Boston. Boston - Massachusetts - Ted Kennedy - Arts - Humor Mass. humor contest on freedom, Ted Kennedy drawing entries from cartoonists around the world WILMINGTON, Mass. - Chinese cartoonist Yang Xiang Yu addresses freedom with a drawing of the Forbidden City and a medical mask over Mao's mouth. Iranian cartoonist Mohammad Fatehi Kahvarin sees images of nuts and bolts lined up military style while listening to a nut giving a speech. Mass. humor contest draws world's cartoonists Chinese cartoonist Yang Xiang Yu addresses freedom with a drawing of the Forbidden City and a medical mask over Mao's mouth. Iranian cartoonist Mohammad Fatehi Kahvarin sees images of nuts and bolts lined up military style while listening to a nut giving a speech. Serbian artist Milenko Kosanovic envisions a man cowering behind a chair, hiding from a television that ... Cartoonist - Forbidden ... Mass. humor contest draws world's cartoonists Chinese cartoonist Yang Xiang Yu addresses freedom with a drawing of the Forbidden City and a medical mask over Mao's mouth. Iranian cartoonist Mohammad Fatehi Kahvarin sees images of nuts and bolts l Boston humor contest draws cartoonists from around the world WILMINGTON, Mass. - Chinese cartoonist Yang Xiang Yu addresses freedom with a drawing of the Forbidden City and... Mass. humor contest draws world's cartoonists Associated Press - July 29, 2010 2:34 PM ET WILMINGTON, Mass. (AP) - Cartoonists from around the world are submitting works on the themes of freedom and the late Massachusetts Sen. Humor hotel, 7/21/10 My husband and I are buying our first home. Sort of. We think. To clarify, a very nice bank has agreed to loan us a couple of bucks. In return, we?ll exchange said funds for a small plot of land containing at least four walls, some kind of finished flooring, segments of transparent glass through which we might see said yard, and a roof, preferably watertight. How hard can it be to find a home ... Native mystery: Good and evil, leavened with humor Native mystery: Good and evil, leavened with humor By Ben Fulton The Salt Lake Tribune Updated Jul 28, 2010 06:46PM MDT The hard-boiled, hard-biting mystery novel is nothing new. For years, readers have turned to J.A. Jance?s books when they?re looking for mystery novels riddled with tense moments but also perfumed with poignancy. Jance has racked up four series of novels to her name ? 19 J.P ... Native mystery: Good and evil, leavened with humor Native mystery: Good and evil, leavened with humor By Ben Fulton The Salt Lake Tribune Updated Jul 28, 2010 04:00PM MDT The hard-boiled, hard-biting mystery novel is nothing new. For years, readers have turned to J.A. Jance?s books when they?re looking for mystery novels riddled with tense moments but also perfumed with poignancy. Jance has racked up four series of novels to her name ? 19 J.P ... Of editing, humor, and content sharing: your feedback Continuing my discussion of the recent reader survey results , I want to now turn to part one of a two-part consideration of the critiques you guys tossed our way. Some of the issues raised were new; some were as old as the hills. Today I want to address issues relating to copyediting, our use of humor, and content sharing. I'll start with that last item first. Read the comments on this post Site: humor - Google News Mass. humor contest draws world's cartoonists - The Associated Press
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