#schadenfreude

#schadenfreude

Schadenfreude seems to permeate American politics these days as viral clips and memes of politicians making real or AI-generated gaffes and off-color remarks are gleefully shared by ideological foes. The German word, which means taking delight in another's misfortune, describes a response that was once taboo to express openly. Now it's been embraced by partisans as a powerful weapon to reinforce political support and group identity.

Today's job market is more ruthless than ever, leaving many desperately clinging to their roles amid mass layoffs and side-eyeing the competition. In such environments, a rival colleague or workplace nemesis may make themselves known. Watching a smug colleague get called out for a mistake in a meeting or blundering a promotion is often deeply satisfying (even if we may not admit it).

Looking for the silver-linings in a Portlandic "war zone." As troops continue to roll in, unwelcome, to American cities, you can be forgiven for calling the national picture "pretty bleak." But even now, the news will occasionally let you get off a chuckle or guffaw, even if it isn't always from your better nature. It's SchadenFriday; go ahead and indulge.