The Culture of Narcissism

In college, I was required to read Christopher Lasch "The Culture of Narcissism."  Lasch's premise was that the culture of our country was devolving into one where people were in constant need of external validation.  I was struck then, in the late 1970s that this was on offshoot of the previous decade, and a society that was looking to find itself.  This was all in the context of political theory.  (Ah, the benefits of a liberal arts education.)

Yeah, I know if you read me regularly that deep social theory is not my usual wheelhouse.  Bear with me, I am using this as a jumping off point for the kinds of stuff that is more in keeping with my usual line of thought.

The narcissist has an inflated view of self and their value in the world.  In our modern technological age, the narcissist has unlimited opportunities to be seen and heard.  (I just posted what I had for supper on Twitter.)  We want everyone to know what we are doing, thinking, feeling etc. (I just updated my Facebook status to show I'm writing a new blog entry.)

Reality TV has created a whole new sub-species of narcissist:  The Fame Whore.  These folks just bounce from reality show to reality show seeking their next 15 minutes of fame.  I found it incredibly ironic when during the Republican primaries in Iowa, candidates courted the support of a reality star whose only claim is that he has pimped out his wife and 19 kids.  Now I see that they are back with another season where they are going to go to Asia and be ignorant Americans.

The other narcissistic sub-genres that baffle me are the ones that that either truck in human misery, or human stupidity.  Those shows that profit from folks with psychological disorders and addictions truly turn my stomach.  Those shows that pretend to portray "real" life with subcultures of our country are offensive in their own way.  These shows feed on the narcissism of people who have an almost pathological need for attention.

Just look around you every day and you will see people who feel that everything that they say and do is worth our noting.  Just keep your eyes peeled, and you will see examples big and small.  From the adult who feels it is crucial to be seen in the coolest and latest stuff to the kid playing rec league basketball celebrating when they it a shot.  They are all saying LOOK AT ME, I'M SPECIAL.