Discomfiting Laughter: "Schadenfreude" among Melanesians

Abstract

Among the Melanesians of Nissan Atoll in Papua New Guinea, laughter and humor may occur as expressions of Schadenfreude--pleasure at the misfortunes of others. Gossip and storytelling, in particular, offer occasions for such expressions. Following a general statement about laughter and humor, this essay describes situations in which they occur on Nissan and then focuses on those situations that appear to involve Schadenfreude. Particularly significant in predisposing islanders to demonstrations of Schadenfreude is their vulnerability to feelings of shame and the resulting ambivalence that characterizes their relations toward one another.