News Smart Talk The Narcissism Epidemic -- Radio Smart Talk, Thursday, June 11
| The Narcissism Epidemic -- Radio Smart Talk, Thursday, June 11 |
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| Wednesday, 10 June 2009 10:00 |
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 In The Narcissism Epidemic: Living in the Age of Entitlement, psychologists and professors Jean Twenge and W. Keith Campbell draw from empirical research and cultural analysis to expose the destructive spread of narcissism. Perhaps most important, they also discuss treatment - what each of us can do to stop the epidemic of narcissism so corrosive to society.  On a reality TV show, a girl planning her Sweet Sixteen wants a major road blocked off so a marching band can precede her grand entrance on a red carpet. Five times as many Americans undergo plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures as ten years ago, and ordinary people hire fake paparazzi to follow them around to make them look famous. High school students physically attack classmates and post YouTube videos of the beatings to get attention. And for the past several years, Americans have been buying McMansions and expensive cars on credit they can't afford.  Although these seem like a random collection of current trends, all are rooted in a single underlying shift in American culture: the relentless rise of narcissism, a very positive and inflated view of self. Narcissists believe they are better than others, lack emotionally warm and caring relationships, constantly seek attention, and treasure material wealth and physical appearance. Â
 Guest: W. Keith Campbell, co-author of The Narcissism Epidemic Comments (7)
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written by Bruce Nilson , June 11, 2009, 11:08:06 AM A stimulating interview today on the important subject of narcissism. I like Dr. Campbell's closing remarks about volunteering as a way to mitigate narcissism--a very practical remedy. However, even volunteering can be a tool for narcissists as many engage in what could be called "conspicuous volunteering" in order to be seen or to network professionally or for resume building and being able to impress others. Although I know that volunteering can soften the heart and change the motives of anyone who volunteers, it's the consummate narcissist whose ultimate test of the value of volunteering will not be what they can do for others but what they can get out of it personally. Thanks for the stimulating conversation! report abuse
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written by Bob Colgan , June 11, 2009, 11:24:09 AM Sorry to say, I missed the first ½ of the show, and probably missed Dr.Campbell explaining the origin of narcissism. If he were to monitor this and respond to it, I'd like to ask him to briefly say why we are generating more narcissists now than previously. . .? My own sense of it is that we are failing to give children enough love and attention when they need it at critical developmental times as infants and toddlers. The lifelong need created (failure of the ego to complete at an infantile level) sees its expression in their being self-promotional and greedy the rest of their lives at the expense of everyone/thing else. This seems all-too evident to me. All infants are narcissistic, and unless that egocentrism finally attenuates through satisfactory assuagement, the egocentrism 'locks in' lifelong until he/she begins to emotionally connect with something outside them of greater importance than their own ego. Is this how you see it also? report abuse
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written by Sarah , June 11, 2009, 11:24:23 AM I would like to comment on narcissism and the woman's role in the home. I believe that in generations past, a woman's main focus was on her family and raising her children. With societal and cultural pressure however, women were drawn to the workplace and were made to focus on their careers and self interests. The children these women raise are conditioned to focus on their own self interest in turn. Do you believe this could be a contributing factor? Thank you. Sarah B report abuse
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written by Dan , June 14, 2009, 11:51:15 PM I hope readers will not try to judge me (that might be considered slightly narcissistic) for quoting the Bible, but here goes: "In the last days . . men will be lovers of themselves." It's interesting to note people that claim to be "Christians" that have trouble getting their heads between doorways. (I'll let you pick your favorite.) But the Bible has much to say about the necessity for genuine humility for those who would profess to worship God. report abuse
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written by Scot Justice , June 15, 2009, 02:44:48 PM O frabjous day! Five negative votes! But sadly not one word to justify same...as is the Way of the Coward, so popular in our dominant culture. Whither narcissism, when all about us cowardice reigns? – sigh. Incidentally, a type of CPD (cowardly personality disorder) was on display during the broadcast, when one of my fellow listeners called in and pronounced these two words to exemplify the narcissism that allegedly runs rampant in our culture, "Rush Limbaugh." And O, didn't the host and the social-psyched guest run away from that one! No real comment from either of them on the venal bombastic self-promoting idiocy that spews from that mouthpiece of all that is selfish and intellectually and emotionally retarded in our popular culture. Nope, instead they picked on the easier target of Howard Stern, an essentially apolitical fool whose rants and raves aren’t glorified by the members of one of our more devolved national political parties. Now, for this narcissist, it would have been terribly interesting to hear an imagined analysis on Limbaugh's role as symptom and stimulant to our NPD epidemic. Certainly more interesting than the vacuous references to author of the book made to celebrity sex tapes. So, here's a suggestion, how about acquiring a few go-to guest co-hosts, folks who have spent their lives reading books and engaging in the history of our species, its literature and peoples, and using these co-hosts as back up when you have a guest that's so full of horse mucky as this one was? Something along the lines of the role played by the author Jack Beatty on WBUR's program On Point, but preferably not as Atlantic Monthly-ish (maybe someone more Harper's Magazine-ish or Scientific American-ish or a combo of the two). After all, we have quite a few universities around Central PA to pick out a few affable and talkative historians, scientists, philosophers, et al, to appear on radio a few hours a week so as to allow some sort of intellectually continuity to justify calling this show radio "smart" talk. Just a suggestion. report abuse
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written by Mikey , June 17, 2009, 01:08:31 PM No one dares mention our "narcissist-in-chief," the one whom the media declares is "sort of a god?" We've glorified narcissism in our society, we've elected an out-of-control narcissist to be our president, and, not content with that, we've decided to fall prostate before him and worship him. Doesn't that say it all? Rush Limbaugh (see previous post) is small potatoes, narcissim-wise, next to the Great "O". Good job to the authors and discussants. I enjoyed the program very much. report abuse
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