Wed Jun 19 2013

USA, Narcissism & Follies aux Beaucoup
by Paul Recher
May 13, 2004

A personality disorder is a deeply ingrained, maladaptive, and inflexible pattern of thinking, feeling, and behaving that significantly impairs an individual's social or occupational functioning.

Personality disorders are pronounced accentuations of personality traits. Personality disorders are associated with failures to reach potential.

Collectively, the USA suffers from pathological Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD).

The Diagnostic Scholastic Manual IV Ed. is the psychiatric bible. To be certified NPD, one must meet 5 of the criteria. The USA scores nine out of nine.

1. A grandiose sense of self-importance. To be specific, the grandiosity is that of hubris. Hubris is that unique form of inflated ego that believes itself to be one with the Gods. To exemplify, the USA refers to its’ historical westward expansion and usurping of lands as ‘Manifest Destiny”.

2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance... SUPER-POWER.

3. Believes that USA is "special" and unique ...

4. Requires excessive admiration

5. False sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of automatic compliance with USA expectations

6. Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve own ends

7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others 8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of … USA

9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes We all display N-traits but with the pathological Narcissist, these are their modus operandi. As you read, keep thinking USA!

Characteristic behaviour invariably includes being the aggressor but acting like the victim. A narcissist is a power and control freak.

They present as highly moral but their actions are anything but moral. Beneath the projected false image of goodness, lurks a being that is vindictive, ruthless, exploitive and only concerned for its’ own well-being.

Charmingly conning those they desire while devaluing and invalidating others is their trademark. Hypersensitive to criticism, the N never assumes responsibility for their actions and always lay the blame elsewhere.

They cognitively split good and evil. The N wears a mask of holier than thou, while projecting their denied evil side onto others. The N never self-reflects.

They do believe that rules that apply to others do not apply to them such as international law.

They can be your best friend today and turn on you tomorrow. Astute as to how to play others, the N is inept at understanding the consequences of their actions.

Inappropriate displays of anger are a frequent management tool.

An N will lie, lie and lie even when caught red-handed. Much like the young child with birthday cake all over the face exclaiming in spite of the evidence “Mommy. Mommy, it was the dog.”

A narcissist has a mature intellect but emotionally is a six year old trapped in an adult body.

The crying shame is two fold. The USA’s failed potential to lead the world into an era of caring and sharing, and worryingly, pathological narcissism is the most intractable, incurable, and unmanageable of all the personality disorders.

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Dr. Recher writes a column for the The Northern Star, the publication in which this article was first printed.