Schadenfreude is a wonderfully expressive word we borrowed from the Germans and promptly mis-defined.
This changes its true meaning significantly as was demonstrated by reader George Kibildis’ poem in the previous issue.
The incorrect definition of Schadenfreude is “the taking of pleasure in another’s misfortune.”
This makes the one who indulges in this behavior something of a sadist.
According to a German website I googled about the term, there is a missing word in the incorrect definition which certainly alters the meaning.
The corrected term reads as follows: “Schadenfreude is the taking of pleasure in another’s deserved misfortune.”
I could never take pleasure in hearing of a person who was unjustly imprisoned. But my Schadenfreude reserves take wing when I hear of a proven rapist who gets jailed for 15 years.
Granted, this indulgence does not define me as a particularly kind person. But it does take me out of the sadistic category and shows me to be understandably human.
I’m willing to bet I’ve got lots of company on that score ... .
Sue Speck
Vernon