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November 5, 2008 at 20:37:20
Promoted to Headline (H3) on 11/5/08: by David Gruder Page 1 of 1 page(s) |
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Narcissism (self-centeredness, entitlement and non-self-responsibility) is one of the most widespread and devastating issues we face today. Yet, it is perhaps the least discussed of the major issues we face. It is high time that we pull this profoundly damaging integrity deficit out of the closet, expose it for what it is, and stop it from continuing to create dysfunction at all levels of society. Now, here's the catch: this brilliant depiction of narcisissm (self-centeredness, entitlement and non-self-responsibility) is being spun into a portrait of the typical Democrat in the United States. Ah, if only it were this simple. In reality, this spin hides the real truth, which is that narcissism is absolutely rampant, and cuts across the entire political spectrum. The real truth is that attributing the narcissim depicted in the above video to Democrats is in itself an example of one of the three forms of narcissism that are paralyzing relationships, communities, businesses, journalism, education, health care, religion, the economy, and government. The three primary forms that narcissists (self-centered, entitled and non-self-responsible individuals, as well as far too many special interest/lobbying groups) come in include: 2. Greed: Narcissists imprisoned in boundless ends-justifies-the-means greed, in which they want what they want when they want it and in the quantity they want it, no matter how much this damages other people or society-at-large. 
Based on the radio interviews, speaking, workshops and consulting about various aspects of integrity that I have been doing throughout the United States and worldwide, I have developed an impression that far more people suffer from dangerous levels of narcissism (self-centeredness, entitlement and non-self-responsibility) than most people realize. As an American, I believe that no other issue is more vital to restoring the health of our society today than putting an end to the tyranny that the three primary groups of narcissists that I will discuss further below have perpetrated on American society and our constitution.
But, before we get to that, I invite you to first view a really effective one-minute video that is circulating the internet. It that does a great job of depicting ONE of the three forms of self-centered, non-self-responsible entitlement that are profoundly damaging the fabric of society at all levels.
Watch this 60 second video below and then read my comments below.
1. Learned Helplessness: Narcissists imprisoned in the belief that they are innocent victims of other people and of the 'system,' and that this entitles them to be taken care of or rescued, rather than having to become self-responsible and empowered. The two fools in the outstanding video you watched above are a powerful example of this form of narcissism.
3. Rightness Addiction: Narcissists who are so blinded by their own political, religious, philopophical, economic, or educational ideology, that they believe they are entitled to inflict their allegedly superior or "right" world view and beliefs on others.
All three groups of narcissists have been allowed to damage the fabric of our society to equally devastating degrees for far too long. No, folks, narcissism is not even remotely limited to 'liberals' or 'democrats,' as the title of the above video professes. Nor is it limited to the financially greedy who helped create today's economic mess. Not by a long shot. It is not limited to any single political or societal group. As I said above, and I'll say it again, narcissism cuts across the entire political political, religious, philosophical, economic, and educational spectrum.
To go a step further, accusing one political party of harboring a society's narcissists is just plain nuts. NONE of the people in the three groups of narcissists I listed above reflect the high-minded principles that live at the core of both the conservative AND the liberal perspectives – and, believe it or not, there ARE high-minded principles at the core of both perspectives. Also as I said above, vilifying either the conservative or the liberal perspective by equating either perspective with these groups of narcissists only magnifies the problem by over-focusing on one group of narcissists while overlooking other groups of narcissists. The same goes for indulging in selective attention about narcissism in different religions, educational systems, economic strategies, health care models, and so forth.
The time has come for political leaders to upgrade their ability to neutralize the profound societal damage created by all three forms of narcissism. They need to have:
* A clear vision of the damage that EACH of these three groups of narcissists has been perpetrating on our culture, and the extremity of the threat these three groups of narcissists present to our republic.* Authentic passion to neutralize the negative impact that ALL three of these types of narcissists are having at all levels of society and government.
* The skills necessary for freeing society and government from being manipulated by all three of these types of narcissists.
The time has also come for everyday citizens to pay close attention to how rampant narcissism has become, and to become better at spotting all three forms of narcissism across the entire political, religious, philosophical, economic, and educational spectrum.
Start insisting that your local, regional and national government representatives become narcissism-busters. Alert them to how damaging and widespread narcisissm has become. Teach them about the three major forms of narcissism described in this article. Most of all, make sure they understand how important it is that they neutralize narcissism in both special interest groups and government employees so that the solutions we so desperately need to today's issues can actually be created.
The views expressed in this article are the sole responsibility of the author
and do not necessarily reflect those of this website or its editors.
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| 11 comments |
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Goes to the heart of the matter
It's time that we stop allowing entitlement, lack of self-responsibility, greed and rightness addiction to run politics and business. This article serves as a call to arms. by David Gruder (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 9:55:32 PM  (0+)
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This is a really good step forward
It is time to address narcissism, which has been encouraged so much in our society, particularly by advertising, appealing to and popularizing selfishness. A lot has been written recently on ponerology, sociopathy and psychopathy, which are all related to the phenomenon or narcissism. Never before in history have we had so much good information available that could help us overcome this age-old problem, with corruption of societies seemingly inevitable. Defining and rooting out narcissism is worth a try. by Oh (7 articles, 5 quicklinks, 3 diaries, 321 comments [41 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Wednesday, Nov 5, 2008 at 11:54:53 PM (0+)
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President George W. Sociopath
Those that don't truly feel can't have any honest expressions. Bush doesn't feel, he mimics, trying to say or make expressions like he is a normal person. Too much is lost in translation and that explains Bush's famous ridiculous expressions. We have had a non-practicing drug addict/alcoholic burned out and delusional. A woman who knew George W. Bush in his cocaine, alcohol binging, and prostitute cavorting days, talks in this recent [video]. The sociopath continues to be very dangerous and unpredictable all the way up to Jan. 20, and then the criminal needs to be arrested and brought to trial, and if found guilty he needs to spend the rest of his life in prison. [more] by Steven G. Erickson (8 articles, 0 quicklinks, 57 diaries, 218 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:05:53 AM (0+)
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Reply: Narcissism and Rewarded Sociopathy
This Sociopathy and wide-spread Narcissism that are soooo very damaging to this country and to the "society" as a whole is frightening. More frightening, though, is the many ways that this type of thinking and action is almost conditioned into the public. When we see the people who demonstrate the greed, self-worship, and disconnect being rewarded financially, socially, politically, and sometimes also being given almost an idol status, we are glorifying and reinforcing this kind of attitude. Marketing, advertisements, corporations, certain media, and some social institutions are constantly pushing a "self" focused greed addiction. This and the idea that you are what you own or control just further the mindset. The "Hungry Hungry Hippo" way of doing things only stands in the way of true balanced, just, ethical, and civil progress. For more incite I highly recommend "The Sociopath Next Door" by Martha Stout. We need to stregthen our bonds of social reciprocation, empathy, and idea of a shared spirit. by Jeremy Haumann (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 54 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 8:05:30 AM (0+)
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Thanks for your comment
Hi Patricia, I appreciate what you wrote. And, at the risk of sounding narcissistic, I agree with you! :-) David by David Gruder (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:06:56 AM (0+)
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Is this your pool of water?
David, I agree with much of what you say. This is not all that common on this site, as I am something of a contrarian. However, I just had to make a couple points.. 1. Democracy could very well be what has caused this narcissistic mess. I doubt this would be the case in a republic of free, self-reliant individuals who do not rely on the government, but ask only that the government tread not on them. The Constitution does not mention democracy once. The founders were smart enough to realize it is the tool by which countries are ruined, dictators and oligarchs born, and sovereignty usurped. 2. Narcissism describes the trait of excessive self-love, based on self-image or ego. You have one of the most extensive writer bios I have seen on this site. Is this excessive self-love of the ego? Maybe. Or perhaps you are truly accomplished and wish others to know of your work. I shall not delve further into this subject, as one could have some fun analyzing a writer who posts as a bull named Ferdinand. I do not mean to definitely imply that you are narcissistic (although you may infer that), but simply suggest that we are often guilty of the same things that we denounce as faults in others. Hence, all of the priests and politicians who rail against "the gays" and then go and have sex with little boys or solicit favors in airport bathrooms. Note, also, that it is excessive self-love that is the problem. Loving oneself is absolutely essential for a healthy existence. It leads to being able to fully love the other and love God. My two pence. by Ferdinand (17 articles, 4 quicklinks, 39 diaries, 259 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 9:54:51 AM (0+)
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Reply: HA!!
Libertarians are the MOST narcissistic ideologues. David Gruder's model of integrity includes WE, includes relationships and responsibilities-- novel concepts to me, Me, ME libertarians. by Rob Kall (953 articles, 4178 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 2:01:58 PM (0+)
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Reply: What's Up With The Label Bashing
The My Team Versus Your Team Clouds The Issues With Emotional Tripe. When you put yourself and others in a box it is hard to find common ground. Be Foremost American. It is acceptable to disagree. Debate Is The Distillation Of Reality. by Brad Evans (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 221 comments [11 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 3:11:41 PM (0+)
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Well made points but..
By the above definitions, narcissistic behavior could be used to describe ANYONE who speaks out, who is aggressive in their political beliefs, or who excels as an "alpha dog" in business or whatever. However, by classic definition this is just not so. Because there are degrees. And ACTUAL behavior to consider when judging individuals. Generalizations always fail at the individual level. However, here is my generalized narcissist gripe lol: Many new age religions i have seen are tailer-made for promoting narcissism. They always talk about the self, empowering yourself, giving yourself credit, allowing yourself what you want, it goes on and on. They appear to be all about everyone's favorite subject: Themselves. And when you think about it; is this phenomena a symptom, or a driver for this wave of self-love ? by Steve Windisch (jibbguy) (17 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 361 comments [55 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 12:20:44 PM (0+)
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Open a book
" The Constitution does not mention democracy once. The founders were smart enough to realize it is the tool by which countries are ruined, dictators and oligarchs born, and sovereignty usurped." Open an history book, just once, you will discover that narcissism existed long time before democracy was widespread. Most rulers are narcisstic, they have to be, it's part of the job description. :-D What encourages narcissism most are authoritarian/hierarchical systems where social inegalities are cast in stone, and groups of people are led to believe that, by birth, they are superior to others and entitled to special treatment. Keep reading, you will find out that what you say about democracies being the tool by which countries are ruined etc. can be said of many political systems -monarchy, dictature, theocracy, you name it. Last time I checked, democracy has been in existence in a number of Western countries for decades or even centuries and these countries are doing ok, thank you very much--except for the occasional economic crisis. Which leads me to underline that the present economic crisis was not started by a democracy but by a lack of democracy, because our democracy and its rules and protections have been progressively dismantled by a mentally challenged semi-dictator and his clique. And by the way, asserting such historical nonsense with this degree of cocky certainty denotes a fair amount of narcissism. by francine (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 385 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 2:21:51 PM (0+)
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Reply: You're right!
It is all systems of government that causes such behavior. Democracy just seems to spread it around quite thick. That is why I endorse anarchy above all else. No rulers. Rob calls me a libertarian, but that is just because I support Ron Paul and find libertarianism to be the most palatable system of governance, if I am forced to have any at all. I don't know why you all believe you need rulers. What a silly animal we have become that we believe we cannot govern ourselves. by Ferdinand (17 articles, 4 quicklinks, 39 diaries, 259 comments) on Thursday, Nov 6, 2008 at 6:47:05 PM (0+)
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