With a myriad of ‘weeks’ dedicated to raising awareness for many different causes, here’s a pitch for one focussed on one of the most destructive human traits known – narcissism.
The week could include handy tips on how to recognise a narcissist, and the best way to step aside as one brushes past, as they look lovingly at themselves, continuing on their path of destruction.
It’s not easy to avoid them – narcissists inhabit every corner of our personal spaces, especially at the top echelons of power.
They could be a spouse, a sibling, a parent, or even a trusted friend.
Parents would never consider their offspring to be one, however.
No, little Timmy and adorable Tiffiny are certainly not that.
Narcissism is derived from the Greek myth of Narcissus, who fell in love with his reflection in a pond, and eventually turned into a flower.
If only that was the case now.
Modern selfishness comes in a few flavours, according to www.psychcentral.com.
They are overt, covert, antagonistic, communal, malignant and adaptive/maladaptive.
And without having to explain any one them, it’s safe to say that none are attractive traits.
The characteristics of a narcissist include grandiosity, an exaggerated self-image, a need for constant admiration and praise, a lack of empathy, and the exploitation of others.
They are overly competitive and overbearing. There’s also a sense of entitlement and arrogance.
While they can be charming, they are essentially bullies.
Narcissists don’t seek honest relationships, only cheerleaders and blind loyalty.
They believe they are always right, no matter the evidence. Narcissists are also spiteful and vindictive.
Hang on – as the editor of a small independent locally owned newspaper, that sounds like just about every local, state and federal politician I’ve ever met!
I suppose it’s been clear enough in my political reporting over the years, but in case there was any doubt: when confronted by narcissistic politicians, I am more than happy to make their life as uncomfortable as I can.
Battle not with monsters
The trick, of course, is not to stare too long into the abyss.
Nietzsche once said, ‘Battle not with monsters, lest ye become a monster, and if you gaze into the abyss, the abyss gazes also into you’.
Unfortunately Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is a lifelong condition, and there is no known cure for it.
They just need to be avoided (unless you’ve taken on the job of reporting their shithouse governance, for example).
There’s social media groups dedicated to supporting those who are damaged by their behaviour, so help is out there.
One way to look at it is this; imagine being bitten by a snake and instead of trying to recover from the poison, you try and catch the snake to find out the reason it bit you, and prove to it that you didn’t think you deserved to be bitten.
They just don’t care about anyone but themselves, much like sociopaths, and psychopaths.
And almost all the politicians I’ve ever met.
Hans Lovejoy, editor
News tips are welcome: [email protected]
There are a couple of corkers commenting regularly here. Try to guess who!
Are we capable of recognising narcissism in ourselves? I wonder!
Only if we consider it a good thing, I suppose.
People reliably project themselves on to others. They also have a tendency to see one or two traits, that have alternative explanations, and parlay that into an entire archetypal psych profile of their interlocutor. Probably shouldn’t expect that anyone can recognise anything in anyone.
Forgot one type of narcissistic behaviour it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing…narcissistic compassion.
It’s turns good intentions into bad outcomes because it comes from a place of wanting to look good not primarily doing good.
It’s common in the ‘ woke’ symptoms include showing off ones morality …..or especially believing that your more morally superior or you care more…..the resulting endorphins rush being more important than looking at a issue from all perspectives using critical thinking and then deciding on the best course of action for the best outcomes
Unfortunately we live in an age where poor outcomes don’t matter as long as you look like your full of morals.
These types spit hatred and bile at you if you respectfully and with reason try to discuss a different point of view.
To the narcissistic compassionate if your prinary focus is on a good outcome not just adulation for your perceived moral superiority , you are demonised as a sub human because you threatened their whole carefully constructed but egotistically fragile persona.
The term is ‘Virtue Signalling’, and you are absolutely correct.
Here endeth the lesson?
Praise the lord and pass the peanuts !
Cheers, G”)
Pass the popcorn and watch the wonderfully neurotic humans
If they are intent on burning the world, the least we can do is make sure they burn with it. We can pop our survival ration popcorn in the coals.
The sad outcome of this sneaky woke pretendy caring for all mantra is one has to be very careful whom you listen to and believe, many people are sucked into this dangerous phenomenon and don’t realise they are being conned. Just take a look and listen to our great green’s and labor government, a glaring example of whom not to believe.