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Why Unions Might Hit The Cannabis Industry Soon Enough

Mike Adams
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Why Unions Might Hit The Cannabis Industry Soon Enough

For years, people employed with the legal cannabis businesses have complained about a variety of missteps by upper management ranging from sexual harassment to doling out compensation in the form of weed rather than money. These less than favorable working conditions have given labor organizations the ammunition to step in and unionize the trade in some parts of the United States.

Marijuana is expected to become an industry that rivals the alcohol trade – a sector that labor unions have had a part in for decades – so it stands to reason these groups would be interested in legal weed.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) presently represents around 10,000 cannabis workers all over Northern America, according to its website, and is progressively moving into other markets. Just last year the UFCW signed the first-ever collective bargaining agreement with a recreational cannabis chain in Seattle, Washington. It is also making strides in Southern California.

RELATED: How New Yorkers Are Fighting For A More Diverse, Inclusive Legal Weed Scene

The Teamsters is another labor organization getting into the cannabis industry. Last year, representatives of the brotherhood gathered at the Netroots Nation conference in New Orleans to discuss the future of the cannabis trade. They say it is about bringing legitimacy to a business once considered outlaw – providing workers with protections on health, safety and issues with law enforcement.

“This industry was an all underground industry until recently, and the Teamsters are the enemy of the underground economy,”said Barry Broad, the Teamsters’ chief lobbyist in California. “We want people to pay their taxes and get Social Security.”

The United Farm Workers of America (UFW) is also considering some involvement. The UFW does not yet represent any members of the cannabis industry, but it has been interested in making a connection since before legalization was official. Not only did the group endorse California’s Proposition 64, but it expressed interest in the trade soon after it passed. “If you’re a cannabis worker, the UFW wants to talk with you,” national Vice President Armando Elenes said in a 2017 interview with the Los Angeles Times.

In California, the UFCW has experienced an uptick in membership since 2018. It is presently working with various facets of the supply chain from manufacturing to delivery, amassing hundreds of cannabis union workers.

RELATED: The Newly Democratic House Majority And The Future Of Legal Weed

“Most of the jobs that we’re creating under the union are full-time jobs. Most of the jobs have medical benefits,” Rigo Valdez, vice president and director of organizing for UFCW 770 in Southern California, told Vice News. “That’s very different than what’s happening in other up-and-coming industries that are really based on robbing workers from the ability to make a living wage.”

There is a lot of strength in labor unions, yet it remains uncertain just how deep these organization will get into cannabis. Much of this depends on the overall response from those involved. Some cannabis industry members argue that labor groups are too capitalistic to have a real spot in cannabis. Yet that thought process seems naive. If legal cannabis proceeds in becoming the next mega industry, which it is set to do, there is little doubt that these organizations will play a role. This is especially true when the federal government finally legalizes the leaf nationwide.

Chris Hemsworth Opens Up About Maintaining Body That Made Him Famous; Already Trouble With Gwyneth Paltrow And Husband

Naughty Gossip
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Chris Hemsworth Opens Up About Maintaining Body That Made Him Famous; Already Trouble With Gwyneth Paltrow And Husband

Chris Hemsworth Shares If He Feels Pressure to Maintain Body That Made Him Famous

Chris Hemsworth has put in a lot of hours to maintain his buff physique, but he’s feeling better than ever!

The 35-year-old actor, best known for his role as Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, had a slew of ups and downs before landing the superhero gig that kick-started his career. Once obtaining the athletic role and bulking up, he’s been unstoppable. But does that time in the gym ever get tiresome?

RELATED: 5 Weirdest Takeaways From Goop’s ‘Sex Issue’

“It comes hand in hand with the roles I play, but look, occasionally you’ll see paparazzi poking out of the bushes and you’re like, ‘How’s my rig look? Am I on point, or have I slacked off lately?’” Hemsworth, who appears on the March cover of Men’s Health (on stands Feb. 12), says in an interview published Wednesday. “I maintain my fitness because it makes me feel better.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bs3Rj2SHDdH/

Already Trouble With Gwyneth Paltrow And Hubby!

DRAMA … ALREADY! Gwyneth Paltrow JUST got married, but a new report says that parenting issues are causing BIG drama.

An insider says, “There’s a family feud brewing in their household … Their parenting styles are VERY different, so there were bound to be clashes … It’s made things VERY complicated.”

Drake hands out $20G in cash to McDonald’s employees

Now that is one happy meal.

Superstar rapper Drake gave $20,000 in cash to two McDonald’s employees — $10,000 each — in the Los Angeles area last weekend, reports said Thursday.

RELATED: The 80/20 Principle Could Help You Lose Those Extra Pounds

A witness inside the restaurant posted a photo of the 32-year-old artist handing out what appeared to be the hefty tip, according to The Blast.

“Just saw Drake in McDonald’s… crazy,” the user tweeted. “He gave two female employees $10,000 each… in cash.”

https://www.instagram.com/p/BtPmtBggXAa/

7 Easy Ways To Lower Your Marijuana Tolerance

Terry Hacienda
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7 Easy Ways To Lower Your Marijuana Tolerance

It happens to just about everybody who enjoys cannabis over a long period of time: The amount needed to feel the psychoactive effect grows and your marijuana tolerance level gets out of whack. No matter how hard you try, you just can’t get back to that old feeling you loved when you were a newbie.

No need to worry. Here are seven simple ways to adjust your cannabis intake to get back in the groove:

Take A Break

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Duh. This is the most obvious — and the one many consumers simply don’t want to do.

Some of you may be patients suffering from chronic pain, PTSD or other ailments that require daily consumption. If this is your situation, there are other methods below.

And there are some out there (studies say it is anywhere between 8-11 percent) that have a physical dependence. If this is your situation, please address the issue. See a doctor. Talk to a healthcare professional. Do NOT simply continue what you are doing.

But if you are like most of us, a tolerance holiday (or T-break) should do the trick. If you have been using cannabis for a prolonged period of time,  your system becomes desensitized. When you constantly put THC in your body, the receptors that bind to it become compromised. Give your receptors a chance to recuperate.

RELATED: How To Lower Your Tolerance To Marijuana In One Easy Step 

Commit to at least a two-week break from marijuana; a month is better. It may sound difficult for some of you. You may become irritable or moody. But it is certainly doable. Try it.

Exercise

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Believe it or not, physical activity can lower your tolerance level. Doing just a little cardiovascular exercise before consuming cannabis will allow you to use less and still feel the effects. In short, exercising will give you more bang for the buck.

And if you are running or hiking, consuming a small amount of cannabis beforehand will make the experience more enjoyable.

Let’s be honest, if you are sitting around listening to music or watching TV, you will be more prone to reach over and take a hit. If you are outside doing physical activity, you’re more likely to enjoy the experience.

Besides, we could all use a little more exercise in our life.

Skip The Wake And Bake Session

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For some of you, the wake and bake routine is as common as drinking a cup of coffee. It’s just a habit you are accustomed to. Well, give it a rest.

If you refrain from consuming cannabis first thing in the morning, your body will slowly begin to adjust. Wait until the afternoon for your first toke of the day. After a few days, wait until the evening for your initial session.

You will enjoy the experience more and you’ll cut back on your tolerance level.

Use Less Per Session

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Another obvious suggestion, but it simply works. If you roll joints, go out and buy smaller papers. Or roll pinner joints for a month or two. If you are into blunts, move to joints.

If you dab, give it a break and move to a different form factor. If dabbing is the only method you do, then simply use smaller amounts of wax.

Use A Different Type Of Weed

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Often times, simply switching strains will help you adjust your tolerance. If you are buying a high-THC strain, try a lower-THC strain. If a heavy indica strain at night is your thing, go with a hybrid strain or something not as heavy. If sativas are your go-to strain, experiment with something a little more relaxing.

Give your system something new and it will help you cut back. Your receptors will adjust and you will need less cannabis.

Invest In A Chillum

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Chillums (or one-hitters or dugouts) are an excellent way to reduce your intake. These devices are designed for on-the-go consumption and allow for only tiny amounts of ground herb.

These are individual tools not meant to be passed around. So you may be consuming by yourself a little more, but you  might find you are using much less.

There are various kinds of cbillums (glass, metal, wood, etc.). Find one that fits your style and give it a go.

Practice Mindfulness

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Yep. I’m going to throw this one in the mix. Practice mindfulness. Ask yourself a few questions each time you reach for the weed: Do I really need this now? What if I skip on this session and get in touch with what my body is telling me? Will meditating or taking a brisk walk help? Is my pain so severe or can I wait an hour?

If you truly listen to your body and follow what it is telling you, chances are you will use less. Sometimes a difficult situation you are experiencing can be resolved without consuming cannabis. Maybe being in the real world and not feeling euphoric is what is required at the moment.

I know some of you will dismiss this one out of hand. But if you practice mindfulness, you will find an inner peace that will allow you to eschew the piece.

5 Ways To Stay Creative In The Winter

Maria Loreto
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5 Ways To Stay Creative In The Winter

It’s hard to muster up the energy to get out of bed in the morning during frigid winter days; working and poring over something you’re passionate about can almost feel impossible.

The winter is a taxing period of time for everyone, interrupting your everyday life, reducing your workouts and trips to the grocery store. Going to the office can be all that you do in a day, and that’s only because you have to. How do you get yourself to do something creative with this mindset? It’s definitely harder than in other seasons, but not impossible. Check out 5 tricks that can help you feel more creative in the winter:

Take a class that inspires you

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RELATED: 7 Ways To Get Lifted And Stay Fit While Indoors This Winter

It may be too much to ask yourself to get inspiration by simply looking down at a notebook, so surround yourself with creative people if you need extra help. A class can help you meet others and give you a purpose, forcing you to study and to stimulate your brain. Once this happens it’ll be reflected in other aspects of your life and winter will seem less bleak and grey.

Rearrange your apartment

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Moving your body and your surroundings can help you kick start your brain, reigniting your creativity and making you feel more productive. Since you’re spending so much time at home, make your space as comfortable as you can. Shuffle things around or buy new blankets and new items that can help you have more fun while indoors.

Get out of the house

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Try to get out of the house when possible, allowing yourself some distance from your place. Although it may be very cold out, once you start moving you’ll feel better, even if you’re just going to buy groceries or to visit a coffee shop.

Meditate

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RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Winter Sex Is Exactly What You Need Now

Meditation helps people through all sorts of ruts, giving them perspective and distance from their day to day problems. If you’ve never meditated before, look for some instructional YouTube videos or download a meditation app. Getting started with the process is much easier than you think.

Schedule your days

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Scheduling your days in advance is the least fun but most straightforward way of getting work done. Plan your day and commit yourself to what you want to do, making realistic to-do lists that will help you remain focused and will also keep you accountable for your plans.

This Kid Won His Science Fair Proving This Athlete Is A Cheater

Brendan Bures
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This Kid Won His Science Fair Proving This Athlete Is A Cheater

Never underestimate a kid love of sports to learning something – and proving it in a science fair.

Look, if science proves something is true then we must rely upon those conclusions. Otherwise we’d be humans bumbling about the universe, believing rocks hurtled to the ground because that was their “natural place” as Aristotle did, instead of understanding the concept of gravity.

Hopefully that prelude convinces you to believe a 10-year-old’s brilliant idea. This kid won his science fair proving this athlete is a cheater.  He was so upset, he set out to prove Tom Brady is not a true sportman. Ace Davis, who’s from Lexington, Kentucky, won his school event with a project board which included a classic Deflategate meme, a picture of Tom Brady crying, and another of Brady making a weird face.

RELATED: Rainy Weather Cocktails

Ace’s impetus for the project was simple.

“Because I hate Tom Brady, he’s been accused of cheating before, I want him to be caught,” he told NFL Draft Diamonds.

Here’s how Ace proved Brady was a cheater through science.

He wanted to show that deflated footballs gave Brady a competitive advantage. On his poster, he included the results of experiments he did with his mom and sister. Each of them threw footballs of varying inflation, and he measured the distance of each one and calculated the average. He found that the least inflated football traveled the farthest, therefore giving Brady a competitive advantage.

Ace also wanted people to know Joe Montana is the greatest quarterback of all time, not Brady. In fact, if he had one message for Brady, Ace would tell the quarterback, “Gimme some of your money, you don’t deserve it.”

RELATED: This Epic Love Story Is Being Set To Music

What a legend. Because Ace won his contest, he’s onto the next level of competition, which he says, “I’m gonna win that too.”

Tom Brady, the former New England Patriots quarterback, was at the center of the Deflategate scandal in 2014. The controversy involved allegations that Brady ordered the deliberate deflation of footballs during the AFC Championship game against the Indianapolis Colts.

The NFL investigation concluded it was “more probable than not” that Brady was “generally aware” of the scheme. As a result, Brady was suspended for four games, and the Patriots were fined $1 million and lost two draft picks. Despite Brady’s denials, circumstantial evidence and his destruction of a cell phone raised suspicions6. The scandal tarnished Brady’s legacy, sparking debates about whether he could be both a great player and a cheater7.

New Mexico Medical Marijuana Program Totals $106 Million in 2018

Debra Borchardt
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New Mexico Medical Marijuana Program Totals $106 Million in 2018

The New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program racked up $106 million in sales in 2018 for a 23% increase over 2017. Patient enrollment grew by 45% from 2017 to 2018 and now counts 67,574 patients in the system. It’s easy to see an imbalance here. The patient count grew faster than sales.

The largest provider in the system Ultra Health said that the problem is plant count limits combined with regulatory hurdles. The company was the largest provider in the state with a market share of 15.4% in 2018 and reporting $16 million in revenue for the year.

“Surpassing $100 million is a great milestone for the Medical Cannabis Program,” said Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez. “However, the industry would have exceeded $212 million if patients were able to purchase an adequate supply of cannabis as allowed for similar patients in Arizona and Colorado.” The belief is that patients are being forced to seek medicine outside of licensed providers which is considered the black market.

RELATED: Cannabis Bills Filed In Missouri And Texas

Some of the restrictions include purchase limits, potency caps, no reciprocity with patients from other legal states and the inability of producers to offer savings for large purchases. The state’s top five producers accounted for 43% of the reported revenue in 2018 and there are 35 licensed producers. Only 12 grew faster than the overall industry’s pace, while 23 producers fell behind.

2018 Revenue  $ Increase 2017 % Increase
1.     Ultra Health $16,325,711 $5,787,168 55%
2.     R. Greenleaf $9,014,260 $320,555 4%
3.     Verdes $7,304,424 $1,192,124 20%
4.     Sacred Garden $6,445,460 $3,050,136 90%
5.     PurLife $6,177,973 $3,281,062 106%
        Total Industry $105,796,892 $19,593,808 23%

Ultra Health said that under the current medical marijuana program, revenues are projected to reach $131 million by the end of 2019 and patient enrollment is forecast to reach 87,500. The company said that if the program allowed patients to fully access medical cannabis like Arizona and Colorado, the industry could have easily hit $290 million in sales.

“Whether it’s for physical, mental or social well being, every adult presenting themselves should have the full legal right to choose the cannabis products they need, in the quantities they want, from the provider they prefer and at a price they can afford,” said Rodriguez.

RELATED: Less Than 0.01% Of Texas Patients Have Been Prescribed Medical Marijuana

A new report from BDS Analytics and Arcviews stated, “Despite inaction on calls to expand access by adding qualifying conditions, the state has made some small improvements to the cannabis program. State officials have simplified the application process for those seeking a medical cannabis card and made other changes to the application process to address complaints of long application backlogs that result in delayed card issuance.”

This article originally appeared in Green Market Report.

This Bot Is Ready To Answer All Of Your Embarrassing Sex Questions

Maria Loreto
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This Bot Is Ready To Answer All Of Your Embarrassing Sex Questions

Like most major companies, Planned Parenthood has worked hard to stay technologically relevant, devising texting and chat services that make their services readily available to patients and interested parties. Now they’ve introduced Roo, a bot specifically designed for teens, equipped to answer their most pressing questions.

Roo was developed by experts and psychologists who interviewed teens in order to build the necessary database for the app. Once their research concluded, Planned Parenthood and web design company Work & Co. agreed that the best way to reach teens would be through a chat bot, since this is the method of communication most high schoolers prefer. When accessing Roo through a smartphone, users will answer a couple of questions until they reach the chat box.

RELATED: No One Knows Why Drinking And Drug Use Is Declining Among Teens

From there on, the questions submitted will remain private and confidential. If teens are confused and don’t know what to ask, they can scroll through a list of prompts. Although there’s all sorts of information available online, Planned Parenthood believes that teens should get their information from verified and trusted sources.

“We know that many young people are nervous or embarrassed to ask questions about their sexual health,” said Leana Wan, president of Planned Parenthood, on a statement to Fast Company. “They often go online to get information and ask their questions anonymously. It’s important that our youth receive a reliable answer they can trust . . . we’re excited for Roo to be a credible, approachable resource to get the personalized answers they need.”

As is the case with most AI softwares, the more the bot is used and consulted, the smarter that it’ll become.

When compared to other bots, Roo is not the brightest, often misunderstanding users’ questions and redirecting them to its main list of queries. Still, the potential for growth is there, and getting answers from Planned Parenthood sounds like a better and more personalized experience than getting them from WebMD.

Does Trump’s New AG Represent An End To Administration’s Reefer Madness?

Mike Adams
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Does Trump’s New AG Represent An End To Administration’s Reefer Madness?

The Trump administration is turning over a new leaf concerning the cannabis culture in the United States, and that may begin under the guidance of a new Attorney General, William Barr. During his confirmation hearings, Barr said he would not go for the jugular of the cannabis industry like his predecessor, Jeff Sessions, did while overseeing the Department of Justice. Instead, Barr told members of the Senate Judiciary Committee that “to the extent people are complying with the state laws in distribution and production and so forth, we’re not going to go after that.”

Barr, who has yet to be confirmed as attorney general, has since put his promise in writing. The gist of his pledge is to reiterate that he has no plans to target cannabis operations compliant with states laws.

“As discussed at my hearing, I do not intend to go after parties who have complied with state law in reliance on the Cole Memorandum,” he wrote.

RELATED: Denver Dispensary Caught Red-Handed Trying To Have Its Cake And Eat It Too

The Cole memo, as it is often referred, was a non-binding guidance issued by the Obama administration that gave states the freedom to experiment with marijuana legalization with little federal interference. The memo had been in effect for several years up until former AG Sessions trashed it at the beginning of 2018. For many members of the cannabis trade, this was a sign that a crackdown on legal marijuana was coming, and everyone had sort of grown comfortable with the idea that weed was mostly overlooked by the government started abandoning ship.

In the end, a marijuana crackdown never came. It was all just psychological warfare Sessions used to discourage the cannabis movement from making strides while he was holding the reins.

But Barr’s approach will be to leave legal cannabis alone. Although he has not yet said whether he intends to replace the Cole memo with an updated initiative, Barr wants to cannabis trade to know he was no intention of upsetting what is now underway in over half the states in the nation.

“I have not closely considered or determined whether further administrative guidance would be appropriate following the Cole Memorandum and the January 2018 memorandum from Attorney General Sessions, or what such guidance might look like,” he wrote. “If confirmed, I will give the matter careful consideration.”

Still, temporary memos promising to keep out of state legal marijuana businesses can only go so far.

RELATED: Could Democrats Use Trump Shutdown Strategy To Decriminalize Marijuana?

Barr is no friend of marijuana, and, as he stated during his confirmation hearing, he believes “we should…have a federal law that prohibits marijuana everywhere.” Yet, his main gripe is not states legalizing the leaf, it’s that Congress is dragging its feet on the issue. “If we want a federal approach, if we want states to have their own laws, let’s get there and let’s get there the right way,” he said, suggesting a move needed to be made to legalize nationwide.

All this really means is that, if Barr is confirmed, the Department of Justice is not likely to target members of the cannabis industry that adhere to policies outlined by their respective states. This reassurance, however, could create some peace of mind for banks and other non-cannabis-related operations concerned about potential prosecutions for dealing with the pot trade.

Still, the only real way to protect the cannabis industry is for Congress to come together in 2019 and bring state and federal pot laws more in line with each other. Until this happens, there will always be an opportunity for the gates of hell to be opened. The only solace, at this time, is that the key will not be turned by William Barr.

5 Of The All-Time Most Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Maria Loreto
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5 Of The All-Time Most Memorable Super Bowl Halftime Shows

Football is a big deal, but deep down we all know that what makes the Super Bowl the Super Bowl is the halftime show. This event is the second most-watched sporting program in the world, an incredible feat considering that no one even watches football outside of the US.

There’s so much build-up surrounding these mini-concerts that 70 percent of the time there’s some aspect that’s disappointing about the show, whether it’s the selected artist or the performance in itself. Despite all of this, Super Bowl halftime shows have a lot of staying power, legitimizing artists and cementing their status as legends.

Check out 5 of the most memorable Super Bowl half-time shows of all time:

The Rolling Stones

CBS wasn’t a fan of The Rolling Stones’ Super Bowl performance where Mick Jagger didn’t bother to censor their lyrics and danced in his Mick Jagger way. Compared to other Super Bowl performances, The Rolling Stones’ show was kind of tame in comparison, but it definitely became an important part of Super Bowl history.

RELATED: 6 Ads That Made You Want To Watch The Super Bowl

Katy Perry

Despite a string of poor songs, Katy Perry has traditionally been a fun and positive performer, one who developed a keen awareness of her talents and target audience. The dancing shark is one of the best memes of all time but there’s so much more in this Super Bowl half-time show, which also gave us Lenny Kravitz and the much awaited return of Missy Elliott.

Lady Gaga

Opening up with a touching rendition of “This Land Is Your Land” and a swarm of drones that lit up as the colors of the American flag, Lady Gaga kicked off her Super Bowl half-time show with a bang and didn’t slow down for the rest of her 13-minute set. Two years later, Gaga is now an Oscar nominated actress with a Las Vegas residency. For her the Super Bowl was just a step in a much grander staircase.

Beyoncé

There’s no performer like Beyoncé, who record after record continues to prove that she is the ultimate pop star. Her combination of powerful vocals, amazing dance moves, charisma, and empowerment have given her carte blanche to do whatever the hell she wants. Her Super Bowl performance is not even the best among her live shows; that’s just her default.

RELATED: Touchdown: Cannabis Consumers Prefer the NFL Over all Other Pro-Sports

Justin Timberlake and Janet Jackson

Ask around about the Super Bowl and eventually someone will say something about 2004’s Nipplegate. Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s performance was running smoothly, featuring the singers’ most famous songs until the last second when Timberlake vigorously pulled on Jackson’s shirt and left her topless. This wardrobe malfunction was widely discussed and cost CBS hundreds of dollars. It banned Janet Jackson from the 2004 Grammy Awards and made her the most Googled person of that year and the next. You can’t even see the nipple guys, come on.

Why Does It Feel Good To See Someone Fail?

Shensheng Wang
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Why Does It Feel Good To See Someone Fail?

In the Pixar animated film Inside Out, most of the plot plays out inside protagonist Riley’s head, where five emotions – Joy, Sadness, Fear, Disgust and Anger – direct her behavior.

The film was released to glowing reviews. But director Pete Docter later admitted that he always regretted that one emotion didn’t make the cut: Schadenfreude.

Schadenfreude, which literally means “harm joy” in German, is the peculiar pleasure people derive from others’ misfortune.

You might feel it when the career of a high-profile celebrity craters, when a particularly noxious criminal is locked up or when a rival sporting team gets vanquished.

Psychologists have long struggled with how to best understand, explain and study the emotion: It arises in such a wide range of situations that it can seem almost impossible to come up with some sort of unifying framework. Yet that’s exactly what my colleagues and I have attempted to do.

Schadenfreude’s many faces

One challenge continues to plague those who research schadenfreude: There’s no agreed-upon definition.

Some think it’s best to study the emotion in the context of social comparison, so they’ll tend to focus on the way envy or resentment interacts with schadenfreude.

RELATED: Squad Goals: Here’s Why We All Need A Mean Friend In Our Lives

Others view the emotion through the lens of justice and fairness, and whether the sufferer deserved his or her misfortune.

Finally, the last group thinks that schadenfreude emerges out of intergroup dynamics – members of a group deriving joy out of the suffering of those outside of the group.

In our view, the different definitions point to multiple sides of schadenfreude, each of which might have distinct developmental origins.

The blossoming of schadenfreude

Perhaps the writers of Inside Out, when deciding to jettison “Schadenfreude,” thought that it would prove too difficult for children to grasp.

There’s evidence, however, that children begin to experience schadenfreude early in life.

For example, at four years old, children found someone else’s misfortune – like tripping and falling into a muddy puddle – funnier if that person had previously done something to hurt other children, such as breaking their toys.

Researchers have also found that two-year-old kids primed to be jealous of a peer experience glee when that peer suffers a mishap. By the age of seven, children feel more pleased after winning a game if a rival lost than when both won the game.

Finally, in a 2013 study, researchers had nine-month-old infants observe puppets interacting with one another. Some puppets “enjoyed” the same types of food that the infants enjoyed, while others had a different set of tastes. When some puppets “harmed” the other puppets, the researchers discovered that the infants would rather see the puppets who didn’t share their tastes be hurt over the ones who did share their tastes.

Bringing it all together

Together, these studies show that schadenfreude is a complex emotion that seems to be deeply ingrained in the human condition.

Psychologists Scott Lilienfeld, Philippe Rochat and I wondered if there could be a way to unite the multiple facets of schadenfreude under the same umbrella.

Eventually, we settled on seeing schadenfreude as a form of dehumanization – the act of depicting and viewing another person as less than human.

When most people hear the term “dehumanization,” they probably go to the worst-case scenario: a complete denial of someone’s humanity, a phenomenon relegated to torture chambers, battlefields and racist propaganda.

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But this is a misconception. Psychologists have shown that people often view their own group in more human terms, and – in subtle ways – can deny the full humanity of those outside of their group.

In our review, we hypothesized that the more empathy someone feels toward another person, the less likely they are to experience schadenfreude when that person suffers.

So in order for someone to feel schadenfreude toward another person – whether it’s a rival, someone in an outgroup or someone who’s committed a crime – they’ll need to subtly dehumanize them. Only then does the sufferer’s misfortune become rewarding.

This theory hasn’t been tested yet, so at the end of our review, we suggest ways schadenfreude’s early origins and individual differences can be placed under scientific scrutiny to study this novel hypothesis.

Linking schadenfreude with dehumanization might sound dark, especially because schadenfreude is such a universal emotion. But dehumanization occurs more often than most would like to think – and we believe it’s behind the pang of pleasure you feel when you see someone fail.

Shensheng Wang is a Ph.D. candidate in Psychology at Emory University.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

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