Schadenfreude

{{hatnote|Not to be confused with [[sadism]].}}

[[File:Des Lehrers Leid 1839.jpg|thumb|right|165px|''Des Lehrers Leid'' ("Teacher's Suffering") (1839)]]
{{Psychology}} 
{{cquote|Tragedy is when I cut my finger.  Comedy is when ''you'' fall into an open manhole and die.|||Mel Brooks, ''The 2,000 Year Old Man'' (1961)<ref>[http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Comedy Wikiquote: Comedy]</ref>}}

'''Schadenfreude''' is the act or emotion of taking pleasure in the misfortunes of others, normally those who you feel "deserve it" and/or those you envy. The word is from [[German]], literally meaning "''harm-joy''." It is capitalised in German, as all nouns are, but not in [[English]].<ref group=note>There is actually 
a [[Greek]]
 an English term for this &mdash; epicaricacy &mdash; but most people just use Schadenfreude anyways. Who wants to say epicaricacy?</ref> While in its simplest form, it is a feeling of relief or gratitude at not having misfortune befall oneself, and while it does not represent an active desire for harm to befall others, it can be malicious. Schadenfreude is usually considered mean-spirited, notably by those whom 
the joke is on
 the misfortune befalls.

==Who does it?==
Well, everyone. No, seriously; everyone to greater or lesser extent. Yes, you too.

The ''entire'' basis of {{wpl|Slapstick|slapstick comedy}}<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Slapstick TV.Tropes: Slapstick]</ref> is schadenfreude; be it getting hit on the head with anvils, poked in the eyes, or entirely unable to succeed at one's attempts (see, for example, {{wpl|Goofy|Goofy}} animated shorts<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/WesternAnimation/Goofy TV.Tropes: Goofy]</ref>). Beyond slapstick, the "higher" forms of comedy also make use of schadenfreude. Accidents, misunderstandings, and troubles that befall a character can be funny (more so when brought on by themselves).<ref group=note>Any number of Coen Brothers and Guy Ritchie films qualify as good fictional accounts of schadenfreude.</ref>

Despite it being ever-popular and ever-present, issues of [[morality]] or concern are raised depending on the subject matter. As [[human]]s, we are expected to be able to show empathy or sympathy towards others, and so it is considered callous, cruel, or even [[psychopath]]ic if we fail to do so. The same applies to schadenfreude; the more grievous the misfortune, the less acceptable it becomes to laugh at it.<ref group=note>Try breaking out laughing in a [[Holocaust]] Museum; you'll see.</ref> A staple of {{wpl|Black comedy|black comedy}}<ref>[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BlackComedy TV.Tropes:Black Comedy]</ref> is the art of finding a tactful way to joke about such [[taboo]] topics. (Of course, this can also lead to what is known as Dead Baby comedy, which pokes fun at [[social]] acceptability itself using a refuge in audacity.)

==Demonization==
[[Demonization]] refers to the practice of labeling one's enemies, opponents, neighbors, {{wpl|Don Quixote|windmills|,}} and so forth as being somehow "less than human" and therefore not worthy of the same consideration as right-thinking humans like us. This is usually done by convincing oneself and/or others that "they" are pure [[evil]], and intent on nothing more than the destruction and [[slavery|enslavement]] (in that order) of everything "we" love.

Thanks to this, and to the [[false dichotomy]] that forms around the "[[Other|Us or Them]]" mindset, some groups find schadenfreude in any form of misfortune — from tripping to [[terrorist]] attacks — that befalls their perceived enemies. This often makes them appear callous, cruel, or even [[psychopath]]ic — which may or may not be justified.

===Religious===
[[File:'Taming the Donkey', painting by Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala, 1868, private collection.jpg|thumb|right|''O Monge e o Burro Rebelde'' ("The Monk and the Rebel Ass") by Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala (1868)]]
The nature of [[fundamentalism]] is such that the perceived enemies of fundamentalists are legion (prolific), and therefore so too are the misfortunes that befall such "enemies". Frequently, this sort of misplaced schadenfreude will contain [[Biblical]] overtones, usually of the [[Hell|hell and brimstone]] variety, explaining how whatever recent tragedy has befallen said enemies is the result of their "[[sin]]ful ways". Often, this will be followed by an encouragement to 
send money
 convert.

Almost every fundamentalist does this at some level, but among the most grievous offenders was the late [[Fred Phelps]]. Perhaps no one offers a better example of schadenfreude gone wrong; holding signs with slogans akin to "Thank God for Dead Soldiers", this man and his [[church]] have brought down the outfits as diverse as [[Patriot Guard Riders|bikers]] and [[Fox News]].

===Political===
Similar to what occurs with religious fundamentalists, those holding [[Extremism|extreme]] political views will often look at their opponents as somehow deserving of retribution. Within one's own country, [[politician]]s are usually less likely to be open about this sort of schadenfreude, as it makes them look like a dick and alienates voters. If the target is another country or regime, however, it becomes more acceptable.

===Sporting===
[[Sports|Sport]] is not immune from schadenfreude. A rival team's defeat at the hands of a third party is often greeted with jubilation. Similarly, a rival team's defeat by a team one is supporting is especially greeted with celebration.

==External links==
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9B-ZoS0wvU ''Avenue Q'' &mdash; Schadenfreude] &mdash; If you still don't get it, here's a little song explaining schadenfreude in all its glory.

==Notes==
{{reflist|group=note}}

==References==
{{reflist|2|80%}}

[[Category:Psychology]]
[[Category:Language]]

Categories: Psychology, Language