Narcissism Is Mutating
During the 21st Century, we are discovering as a collective the depth and breadth of narcissism in our world. We now find traces of it in our relationships, our friendships, our workplaces, even our families.
The ‘superficial, self-absorbed’ definition of the disorder has proven to be only the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface, an entire microcosm of dysfunctional behaviour has been revealed. Borderline, histrionic, psychopathy, codependency, paranoia and more have proven to be intrinsically linked to narcissism.
From Epidemic And Beyond
Narcissism is not a new phenomenon. It is a design feature of humanity, not an aberration. What is new is our understanding of its deeper dynamics. Another 21st-century aspect of narcissism is that it is mutating, having been given immense space to spread in a modern, globalised social environment.
Earlier, narcissism was endemic to the tribe or family, where a particular patriarch or matriarch held the dominant position in the hierarchy. When tragedy struck in the form of invasion, conflict, natural disaster or famine, the tribe became traumatised. To compensate for a collapse of the True Self, members of the tribe developed personality disorders such as borderline, psychopathy and narcissism. Authenticity and empathy were lost, while ego and manipulation reigned.
