Schadenfreude

[GenericAmerican]

I punched this annoying kid I knew square in the face...and I enjoyed it. Does that count?

 

[gostchiken]

In lulz we trust.

 

[Nouw]

Saying you have never done that is a pure lie.

Of course I have! Especially on Hell's Kitchen and American Idol

 

[Xero Scythe]

ahh, yes. Only the German could make a word that means pleasure from other's misfortune. And as one of German descent, I am one of the few who can make that joke.

Not... really. Not unless they really deserve it. I have very serious problems with causing harm to people, animals, or even fake representations of them in the real world (yes, i'm one of those people who gets sad about seeing stuffed animals torn up) that are undeserving of being treated bad. I do not enjoy seeing people get hurt.

But... what I emphasize is the part "that are undeserving of being treated bad". When somebody crosses that threshold however, the person in question not only loses my normal repulsion for seeing them suffer I would possess, they also lose their status as a living being in my eyes. Translation? It means I can do anything to them and feel little remorse, which tends to lead towards me doing things to those people that would appaull all but the most indifferent or sadistic of observers.

To most living things, I am friendly or caring (at least internally) to the point of seeming overly passive or weak. When towards "bad people" however, I acquire a level of schadenfreude that could only be exceeded by the likes of the dark hordes of Genghis Khan and others like them.

Ummm... so basically all humans are shit in your eyes? Because if you find me a man who says he is undeserving of being treated badly, then I'll show you a liar.

You didn't read what I wrote did you? It is a personal perspective that is wholly independent of the thoughts and opinions of others. I decide who falls into what area in my mind. By that definition, most people are actually quite alright in my world either because they are actually decent people or I haven't discovered their bad natures yet.

I'm an optimist at heart.

I did read what you wrote. I just believe that every human being (save for obvious religious persons) have crossed whatever line you care to set in front of them. Why? It's simple human nature. The idea has been around for centuries:
Man will do whatever it takes so long as it benifits him. There are very few (read: damn close to nonexistent) people I would consider on your side of the line, if I might use the term. I think most of humanity is on 'my' side of the line. There's a reason the word "Schadenfreude" even exists: humanity consists of 99% Machiavellian bastards.

I'm a realist, pessimist, call it what you will. I just believe that man is a corrupted being, and should be treated as such.

 

[Yureina]

I did read what you wrote. I just believe that every human being (save for obvious religious persons) have crossed whatever line you care to set in front of them. Why? It's simple human nature. The idea has been around for centuries:
Man will do whatever it takes so long as it benifits him. There are very few (read: damn close to nonexistent) people I would consider on your side of the line, if I might use the term. I think most of humanity is on 'my' side of the line. There's a reason the word "Schadenfreude" even exists: humanity consists of 99% Machiavellian bastards.

I'm a realist, pessimist, call it what you will. I just believe that man is a corrupted being, and should be treated as such.

Maybe so, but if I don't see a person cross the line between normal and "bad" person, then I don't really worry about it. The thing is, the people who *do* cross that line, especially if their crossing that line involved being mean to me or someone I care for, they tend to walk away with problems or even scars, not gain. I carry out my own version of divine retribution. ;P

 

[Booze Zombie]

I honestly don't feel that for anyone who hasn't been antagonising me and then, I think it's "justified".

 

[HK_01]

Sure. It's not even possible not to experience Schadenfreude, it's a part of us.

 

[Bellvedere]

I once worked in a games store. My favourite part was kids trying to buy MA15+ games and telling them they couldn't get it. Hahaa. Kids are crazy.

Or actually anything in retail where the customer is being a jerk and you can't help them. I like to listen to their full rants, they totally think that you're going to do something if you listen.

 

[Shakespeario]

I get the German attitude fairly often but I would like to help with the scope of the situation. Rubber necking: the practice of causing major traffic jams because some one may have seriously hurt themselves and something like 80% of Americans will stop and stare with dilated eyes and drool. I like to think that percentage is lower in other places. However, most do commit rubber necking. I'm glad I'm not a rubber necker; but believe me. I'm a very rotten person.

Also... it'd be a terrible sign of a 'good person' to not feel schadenfreude. It'd actually sound more like sociopathy. That sounds like someone who can't feel other people experiences. Good or bad.