Schadenfreude

[devonin]

Schadenfreude is a german word that means, basically, "Taking joy in the misfortunes of others" We see Schadenfreude all the time in our culture.

Whole TV shows dedicated to showing viewers home movies of which the vast majority involve accidents, mishaps or injuries, set to goofy music and called "funniest" home videos.

Disturbingly well-selling tabloid magazines exposing, inventing and creating scandals.

What is it about the misfortune of other people that we as humans find so interesting? Does it stem from relief that it isn't us suffering the misfortune? Are we somehow just creatures of vice who take joy in watching others suffer? Do you think, instead, that schadenfruede is only found in the morally bankrupt and you've never taken joy in someone else's misfortune?

It's always been a concept of interest to me, and I'm curious to hear what others think about it.