Mocking Birds Don't Fly

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Daily activities, responsibilities, and incidents are enough to wear a person down.  Humor, therefore, brings a little grace into the mix.  It's the proverbial oil that lubricates the machine, preventing it from overheating.  Some humor, like sarcasm, can be more a relief valve than a lubricant.  If a lot of friction has already heated things, a sarcastic expostulation can awaken the need for some needed sympathy, forestalling a meltdown.  So sarcasm is necessary but should be used judiciously.  In other words, not all brands of humor "lubricate the machine."  One in particular actually increases friction, namely mockery, sarcasm’s near cousin.

One who easily mocks goes directly to my "do not trust" list.  Mockery is a strong indicator of poor character.  We know it when we see it, parody that highlights what the mocker thinks stupid, weak, or contemptible.  This is such an undignified way on many levels.  For one, the mocker feels assured in his contempt; he is confident others will join in.  Even before the mocking begins its impulse bathes in arrogance. Secondly, and worse, humiliating others rewards the mocker with mean congratulations from those who laugh or pile on.  And this enticing of others to participate in the humiliating is yet another sad effect, quite aside from the person mocked. 

Not much else to say.  I hate mockery.  And the mockers themselves?  I don’t hate them; I just feel better when they’re not around.  Or not mocking.

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