I'm not a psychiatrist, or psychologist, or any kind of mental health professional, but one thing in particular I have noticed is that leftists are supremely self-absorbed. I got to thinking: do people become narcissistic AFTER turning to leftism or does turning towards leftism indicate a narcissistic tendency? Here's what I have decided -
Leftism appeals to children and childish adults because ultimately, it is a political mindset focused on self: MY rights, MY happiness, MY wants. Thanks to Doctor Benjamin Spock, founder and proponent of the self-esteem movement in the 1950's, children of parents who bought into his theory became the radicals of the 1960's.
Those narcissistic children, filled with Dr. Spock's "self-esteem", burned the flag that protected their right to pitch a tantrum. They demanded that American foreign policy change in Vietnam to satisfy THEIR smug and narrow view of the world. They blew up recruiting stations and killed law enforcement in a full-blown, self-absorbed, feet-kicking, narcissistic rage.
Adults with a healthy dose of self-esteem understand that everything costs something: money, time, feelings, relationships. Adults understand that when choices are made that some things will not be accommodated. Adults know that not everyone will be happy with those choices but in order for the greater good of society as a whole to remain free, hard decisions must be made. Adults understand that character is built when hardships and hard choices are met and conquered. Children do not. Children only see in the narrowest of scopes: themselves and what makes them happy. the DSM IV defines narcissism as:
"The symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder revolve around a pattern of grandiosity, need for admiration, and sense of entitlement. Often individuals feel overly important and will exaggerate achievements and will accept, and often demand, praise and admiration despite worthy achievements. They may be overwhelmed with fantasies involving unlimited success, power, love, or beauty and feel that they can only be understood by others who are, like them, superior in some aspect of life.
There is a sense of entitlement, of being more deserving than others based solely on their superiority. These symptoms, however, are a result of an underlying sense of inferiority and are often seen as overcompensation. Because of this, they are often envious and even angry of others who have more, receive more respect or attention, or otherwise steal away the spotlight."
Sound familiar? It did to me too and so, I will continue to blog on this topic. Check back in the future for more hairballs from ColoKat
