[Main Blog Post] Narcissism and Me

[jprussell]

(The title's a joke, btw).

Check out the new post, and feel free to comment here on Dreamwidth.

Comments

[causticus]

Oh yeah I agree there's definitely a lot of variables at play here, like generational subculture, one's culture in general, economic conditions, family structure, genetics, karma, ect.

JMG's example is great. I think it dials into a very specially special American flavor of narcissism, based on the idea we can "manifest" our own desired reality just by wishing for the right things; they'll come to you.....well, just because....you deserve the best! (regardless of what you bring to the table). I think one big factor that amplifies narcissism in America is the hyper-individualistic, atomized living arrangement that is now standard here. In more communitarian and authoritarian cultures, the individual isn't so important; it's their function in the group that matters; thus there's considerably less of a pressure for each individual to pretend as if they are their own king or queen, much less act like one in mixed company. I think a clear social hierarchy can greatly mitigate induvial narcissism and humble people in general. Just some random thoughts here...

[jprussell]

Hmmm, I think you're right about the atomized living - one thing TLP talks about in some of his posts is how narcissism is more prevalent in first children, and if that's true, then a country of families with 1.5 kids could be contributing.

Another thought that came to mind as I read your response, though, was about JMG's tamanous theory of the direction of the unique spiritual development of North America in contrast to other lands. It doesn't strike me as crazy that narcissism could be an awkward stumbling block, an imperfect groping toward, the reality that each of us do have our own unique relationship with the Divine, but not yet getting that that doesn't make us special.

Huh, which also reminded me of one of the things I mentioned in the post: TLP states that narcissism is more common in young folks who don't have the life experience to ground out their identity in an actual track record and still have a lot of possibilities they might step into. If you think of North American culture as adolescent or young adult (at most!), then maybe this is a necessary phase to pass through.

(But I'm not going to use that as an excuse for my own development!)