Schadenfreude: The Wicked Pleasure in Social Media Interactions among the Ethiopian Diaspora
Schadenfreude, an amalgamation of harm and joy, originates in German. It encapsulates the elusive pleasure derived from the misfortune of others. Although there might not be a single term in English that neatly fits this concept, the approximate translation “epicaricacy” comes closer to its essence. However, this unique idea finds resonance within a faction of the Ethiopian diaspora, which inexplicably revels in their homeland’s woes.
Understanding why people of Ethiopian descent who live outside their homeland feel pleasure in Ethiopia’s misfortune presents a complex challenge. In a diaspora community, one would expect a range of opinions and emotions towards their place of origin. Some may have fled their homeland due to political turmoil, carrying with them lingering pain and anguish. Conversely, others may maintain a deep attachment and work towards positive change in their homeland. It’s imperative to avoid treading on these complexities and sweeping generalizations. Personal experiences, beliefs, and contextual factors profoundly influence one’s perception of a nation’s political landscape or social fabric.
Regrettably, some individuals exploit social media platforms amidst this diaspora, wielding influence to incite turmoil back home. The influencers, while abiding by Western norms and laws, stoked violence among Ethiopian youth, fostering destruction and chaos in their motherland.
The roots of this schadenfreude find a voice in shocking statements, like that of an infamous Ethiophobe who expressed contentment witnessing Ethiopia’s downfall within his lifetime. How could one harbor such intense disdain for their homeland that they actively desire its obliteration? Disagreeing with a regime is one thing, but actively advocating for a nation’s destruction is inconceivable.
The perverse joy is a lucrative career for specific individuals or groups, financially incentivized by undermining Ethiopia’s stability. Investigating the correlation between inciting violence and the collection of funds via platforms like GoFundMe is crucial, given the lack of transparency in their allocation.
Additionally, some external entities perpetuate skewed narratives, tarnishing Ethiopia’s image globally by portraying it as oppressive and evil. They advocate for interventions under the guise of humanitarian aid, aiming to damage Ethiopia’s economy and reputation. Even Ethiopian Airlines, a source of national pride, becomes a target in this orchestrated assault.
In a recent interview on a YouTube channel (which I won’t name), an Ethiopian American professional discussed Ethiopia’s current political situation. Regrettably, his stance seemed arrogant and insensitive, proposing that causing economic harm to the country could be a viable tactic to force the government to surrender. To illustrate his point, he callously likened the strategy to “forcefully pulling a glucose intravenous line from the 'patient' — referring to 'bedridden' Ethiopia, a nation with a population exceeding 120 million.
The current situation has revealed the true nature of specific individuals or groups in Ethiopia. Unfortunately, some have shamelessly chosen to advocate for entities historically perceived as adversaries of Ethiopia, allowing their hatred toward the Ethiopian prime minister to overshadow the nation’s best interests. Those who cannot foresee a brighter future for a prosperous Ethiopia will eventually regret their past words and actions.
Critics who accused Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of selling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) years ago have yet to apologize. Instead, they persist in their criticism, now pointing fingers at him for allegedly stoking tensions with neighboring countries. These renewed accusations emerged after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Dr. Abiy and Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi on January 1, 2024. According to the terms of the deal, Somaliland will provide Ethiopia with access to the Red Sea in exchange for Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Octogenarians, who have switched their party affiliations countless times to gain political relevance that eluded them in their prime, currently dominate the political scene. Meanwhile, a portion of the diaspora community has been confined to ethnic enclaves, leading to a radicalized mindset that undermines the country’s cohesive fabric. The belligerent display of rhetorical assaults upon “other” ethnic groups in Ethiopia has become a staple of the social media scene.
In an Ethiopian adage, a donkey once quipped, “May the grass cease its growth after my departure.” Its essence? If it’s not benefiting me, I’m indifferent. This divisive outlook, encapsulated in the saying, signifies disregard for anything once out of sight—an allegory embodying the opportunistic “Ethiopians on Demand,” whose loyalty shifts with political tides, driven not by ideology but personal gain.
The purveyors of misinformation present themselves as committed patriots and unwavering supporters, yet their loyalty sparkles only when it aligns with their self-interests. They skillfully manipulate ethnic identities, either for political scheming or personal economic advancement, hiding their genuine intentions behind a mask of allegiance. Consequently, their actions undermine national unity and solidarity and erode the remnants of shared values among Ethiopians.
However, Ethiopians are resilient, resolve against external pressures and misinformation, and unite to defend their sovereignty and dignity despite conflicting opinions about their past. This scenario underscores a grim reality where chaos catalyzes financial returns, with social media entrepreneurs absolving themselves of accountability when inciting violence. Yet, amidst this chaos, Ethiopia’s burgeoning population on the cusp of development is poised to hold these perpetrators of disinformation responsible. A time will come when individuals will encounter accountability for their imprudent, irresponsible, or disrespectful words directed toward Ethiopia and its people.
Ethiopians in the diaspora (i.e., the silent majority) require no handholding to comprehend the events unfolding in their homeland. They can distinguish between right or wrong and true or false. Their silence should not be misinterpreted as a collective agreement or consensus with the social media falsifiers, distorters, and doomsayers.
The situation in Ethiopia is intricate and involves various perspectives and motives, which can either help or hurt the country’s advancement. It is crucial to take a firm position and give importance to national unity, economic progress, and a vision that surpasses personal biases or narrow interests to attain the collective benefit of Ethiopia.
Long live Ethiopia!
