It was clear that the delight being taken...was not the vicarious pleasure of watching people enjoying themselves and identifying with them, but in seeing people being humiliated while others enjoyed themselves at their expense.
In "The Player of Games," Iain M. Banks explores a complex dynamic in which the enjoyment derived by some individuals comes from witnessing the humiliation of others. This pleasure is highlighted as not simply a matter of empathy or shared joy; rather, it embodies a darker aspect of human nature where amusement stems from the misfortunes of others.
The quote reveals a deeper commentary on the interactions between spectators and participants. Instead of finding joy in a collective experience, some individuals take delight in the discomfort of those involved, suggesting a critique of societal tendencies that celebrate cruelty and highlight the disparity between different social groups.
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