Does anyone else find the American obsession with mocking tragedy shallow (and creepy)?

[Haole Girl]

Yes, this is a copycat. But, I've been wondering about this for some time. Why do Americans take such pleasure in other peoples downfalls...or, even a tragic death? There are too many cases to name, but one that comes to mind is Steve Irwin. And, buried in the middle of hundreds of posts, someone explained it away as envy. I just don't get it. I wonder if other cultures do this sort of thing. Do you ever wonder? Do you ever think, maybe, this is not healthy, or even "normal" behavior?

:shrug:

[mainegreen]

1. Yes. I think it makes people feel better to see someone worse off than themselves.

I hate to say this (for fear of flame war) but the tryouts of American Idol totally illustrate this in my opinion.
It just makes my skin crawl. To much empathy on my part I guess.

[Haole Girl]

2. Yes, I know

I only watched the previews...they were painful enough for me.

And, who needs new ways to criticize people? I got plenty of that growing up w/my dysfunctional family! :eyes:

[KitchenWitch]

4. I think many people have an underlying cruel streak that gets the best of them

Even I do at times. I am not proud of it, but there it is.

[Haole Girl]

6. Oh, I have a very large cruel streak at times...

...Still, I hope I resist the urge to kick someone when they're down.

[raccoon]

8. I agree with you about that,

"I think it makes people feel better to see someone worse off than themselves"

I'm beginning to think that maybe it's human nature--part of the dark side of human nature, and something we have to work to overcome.

Another thing, miserable and/or insecure people are more likely to feel better to see someone worse off than themselves.

[Haole Girl]

9. I don't know...

...there are a lot of people who seem very self-assured and successful who also take pleasure in it.

:shrug:

[Madspirit]

3. Psychologically speaking

I think it helps separate people from the tragedy. Sometimes it's the only way to cope. I am not defending the habit and in fact, I too, find it disturbing. I just don't think it is really cruelty as much as it is a way to NOT feel.

I watch a lot of BBC and though that isn't real people, television does seem to reflect the culture and they also do this. I really think it's just a coping strategy.
Madspirit

[Haole Girl]

5. I hope you are right

I'll never understand people...as long as I live. Oh well, at least I somewhat understand cats! :hi:

[Madspirit]

7. I hope I am right too... n/t