Encouragement is not a dirty word

It always strikes me as strange the way our Aussie culture is determined to cut down the "tall poppy". We, as Australians, tend to relate to each other (males in particular) in such a way that, if taken literally, is very damaging to the self esteem. You may make fun of your mate because he spends time with his girlfriend rather than "the boys". I'm not sure if this is a defense mechanism; "If someone else is being made fun of, then at least it can't be me". Or could it be a way of connecting with a group of people; "I've got nothing that I think I can say here, perhaps if we joke about someone then we'll all feel like we can contribute". Another possibility is that these thoughts are subconscious, and therefore are habitual. Either way, I can't help but feel a little repulsed by the negative associations we banter around as a way of having a friendship. So, I'm on the encouragement bandwagon now, but I know it'll be a struggle. I say this because I too also fall into the trap of poking fun as a way of sharing a laugh together and connecting. Sarcasm is very dangerous because the interpretation of the words used rely entirely on intonation; one slip and the joke becomes a condemnation of an individual. I'm feeling challenged to rise above the sarcasm and cynicism and be a person who encourages first. This is a call, I believe, to being an authentic person, and an authentic Christian.