Will all the Real Narcissist Please Stand Up, Please Stand Up!

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

I was watching Paul Mooney latest comedy show the other day and an audience member blurted something out and Paul said “see that’s Oprah fault. She made people feel their important”. It was funny but very profound. Since the “Reign of Oprah” people have become more comfortable voicing their opinions when it comes to personal issues and self. I think that is a good thing and we all should value our self worth and opinions. However, when is being confident in your self expression narcissistic?

Have social networking sites, such as Facebook released the unrealized narcissistic beast in us all? What other venue is out there for you to focus on self? From posting your pics, posting your favorite inspirational quotes, showcasing poetry or other talents, broadcasting your kid’s excellent grades, posting what you ate for breakfast, displaying your political insight and much more. Don’t get me wrong I think Facebook is an excellent tool to reconnect with friends, possibly make new ones and share with others all those pics, videos and daily chores. But when does it become Narcissistic? Do you recognize anyone on Facebook who screams look at me you lower form of species or what I say should matter to you all and really mean that shit!

What is the definition of Narcissism:

Narcissism (närsĭs'ĭzəm), Freudian term, drawn from the Greek myth of Narcissus, a handsome young man sees his reflection in a pool of water and falls in love with it. Indicating an exclusive self-absorption. A degree of narcissism is considered normal, where an individual has a healthy self-regard and realistic aspirations. The condition becomes pathological, and diagnosable as a personality disorder, when it significantly impairs social functioning. An individual with narcissistic personality disorder tends to:

1. Harbor an exaggerated sense of his own self-importance, uniqueness and superiority
(e.g. exaggerates or flat out lies his you know what off about achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without any measure of true achievements).

2. He is often excessively occupied with fantasies about his own attributes and potential for success, and usually depends upon others for reinforcement of his self-image
(e.g. he daydreams about being successful and tends to live in that mindset instead of making it happen in reality. He has get rich quick schemes and tries to get others on board for encouragement and self glorification).

3. Requires excessive admiration

4. A narcissist tends to have difficulties maintaining healthy interpersonal relationships, stemming largely from a lack of empathy and a propensity for taking advantage of others in the interest of self-aggrandizement. It is often found in combination with antisocial personality disorder (e.g. many narcissist pretend to have empathy but basically if you go against their delusions of grandeur or it minimizes their self importance you will feel and witness the cold demeanor).

5. However, these attitudes and behaviors do not reflect true self-confidence. Instead, the attitudes conceal a deep sense of insecurity and a fragile self-esteem.

“A new study suggests that online social networking sites might be useful tools for detecting whether someone is narcissist.

We found that people who are narcissistic use Facebook in a self-promoting way that can be identified by others, said lead author Laura Buffardi, of the University of Georgia.

The researchers found that the number of Facebook friends and wall posts that individuals have on their profile pages correlates with narcissism (I think this should exclude celebrities. They are going to draw thousands of fans but I would argue most celebrities are narcissistic).

Buffardi said this is consistent with how narcissists behave in the real-world, with numerous yet shallow relationships. Narcissists are also more likely to choose glamorous, self-promoting pictures for their main profile photos, she said, while others are more likely to use snapshots”. http://psychcentral.com/news/2008/09/23/social-networking-ids-narcissism/2988.html

Don’t confuse Narcissist people with bully’s or some men who suffer from short man complex (sorry short men but I did say some short men not all). You know the guy who is short and has to walk, talk and stick his chest out to appear big so he won’t be looked down on. They have a tendency to overly compensate for areas they are lacking. The Narcissist is not always noticeable. Usually those closest too him know his true ways. To the outside world he is a cool guy; the best. When the Narcissist looks in the mirror he truly sees no flaws and if you point any out something is wrong with you. He is perfect after all! That’s why they lack empathy; how can they relate to someone who thinks they are equal to everyone else?

Well, what does all this mean? Nothing really I just thought it was interesting and wanted to share. I bet we all know someone who is truly narcissistic. The sad thing is they don’t realize it. So to all the narcissistic people out there you are the absolute best and I love the hell out of your perfect ass. I don’t know what I would do without you. To everyone else, Rock on Dudes!

Orignially posted by Ms. Angela's Stuff at 8:46 PM

Angie's signing off for now...feel free to read me again!