You would never have done that, you are morally superior and you feel contempt for the pathetic person.

Definitions

1. Feeling morally superior to an offender.
2. Disapproving of another’s action.

Related Terms

The words appalled, despise, distain, indignation, and reproach are approximate synonyms for contempt.

Upward Contempt

Upward contempt allows a person of lower status to claim superiority, at least along one attribute. It is a form of rebellion, or a way to cope with humiliation or defeat.

Benefits and Dangers of Contempt

Contempt is a declaration of greater status or power, and can serve as a reward for maintaining high status. However, it is often counterfeit; people who are uncertain of their status may show contempt in an effort to raise their image. The pretentious look down their noses at the homeless, the truly compassionate help the homeless.

It becomes dangerous if you humiliate the person you feel contempt for.

Enjoying Contempt

Because contempt declares your superiority, it is often a somewhat enjoyable emotion.

Meeting Expectations

Guilt, shame, and contempt are each based on meeting expectations:

• Guilt: I did not meet your moral standards and expectations,
• Shame: I did not meet my own standards of behavior, and
• Contempt: you did not meet my moral standards expectations.

Power and Distance

We are most likely to feel contempt for people who are distant from us and low in status.

Facial Expression

The facial expression of contempt communicates your disapproval.

The facial expression of contempt has these distinctive features: Chin is raised, making it easier to look down your nose at the offender, The lip corner is tightened and slightly raised on one side of the face, A slight smile can show enjoyment

References

[laz] Passion and Reason: Making Sense of Our Emotions by Richard S. Lazarus, Bernice N. Lazarus

[Ekm] Emotions Revealed : Recognizing Faces and Feelings to Improve Communication and Emotional Life by Paul Ekman

[OCC] The Cognitive Structure of Emotions by Andrew Ortony, Gerald L. Clore, Allan Collins

[Gol] Destructive Emotions : A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama by Daniel Goleman

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Create Your Life, Your Relationships, and Your World in Harmony with Your Values, by Marshall B. Rosenberg, Arun Gandhi