Narcissism and Social Isolation

Narcissism and Social Isolation Thesis Statement: narcissism can lead to social isolation because of inability to appreciate anything around them aside from themselves. Introduction Narcissism is a personality disorder wherein the individual feels an extremely elevated sense of self-worth compared to normal. A Narcissist thinks that he is like no one else, special and unique in every single way manageable and therefore believes that he is superior to all. A narcissist seem like the perfect kind of company in the short run but in the long run unfolds, so do their true colors begin to show. Body Narcissism is a psychological disorder that is gradually developed overtime by the involvement of biological and environmental factors. According to research, Narcissism has something to do with genetics. Narcissism can be triggered as early as the preschool years and may develop over the passage of time. Media has a big impact in transmitting narcissism to vast populations. Narcissists have such an elevated sense of self worth that they value themselves as inherently as others. Narcissists believe they are special and unique. Most narcissistic individuals require excessive admiration. Narcissists are incapable of completely empathizing. The narcissist recognizes himself as human and others as 3-dimensional cartoons in the background. The narcissist over values people, uses them and then devalues them. Narcissists are one track minded theyre not interested in other people. A narcissist is a human roller coaster fun for a limited time, nauseating in the long run. Non-narcissistic individuals get easily attracted to narcissists and their charms at first glance and want to be part of their circle. In the long run however, others will realize that narcissists only care about themselves and are incapable of genuinely caring for other people and eventually want out of their suffocating circles and shadows. Conclusion Narcissism can lead to social isolation because of inability to appreciate anything around them aside from themselves I. Introduction Mirror, mirror on the wall, whos the fairest of them all? asks the queen from snow whites fairytale and always the magic mirror would reply, You are, you are the fairest in the land. This cycle went on and on and pleased the queen. One day someone became fairer than her. It displeased her in many ways and disturbed her self- esteem so much that she would do anything to regain that title. More than anything, she wanted to be admired. A mythological Greek youth named Narcissus came across a lake and saw his reflection in the water. As he stared at his image, he slowly felt a great deal of admiration for himself. He began to fall in love with his reflection and found that he could not dare to look away from such beauty. No longer grasping the world around him while neglecting his physical needs, he died there still admiring himself. What happened to the queen, to Narcissus and to many more who get unconsciously attached to their own images is what people, today, call Narcissism. Have you ever been described as a vain individual? Have you ever tried describing someone as egocentric? Do you even know what those two words mean? According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, vain refers to having or showing undue or excessive pride in ones appearance or achievements while egocentric is defined as limited outlook or concern to ones activities or needs. Too much of either or too much of both becomes a disturbing characteristic for any individual in general. These two characteristics are also words suitable for describing a narcissistic individual. Narcissism is a personality disorder wherein the individual feels an extremely elevated sense of self worth. He may also insist on being first in line to grab opportunities to gain more fame and admiration. A narcissistic individual thinks that he is like no one else, special and unique in every single way imaginable and therefore believes that he is superior to all. This mindset lets the narcissist feel like no one can shine center stage as much as he does. Since he assumes and is convinced that he is unique, he feels that everyone is bound to give parts of their attention to him from time to time. He also believes that he was born to be treated in an extra special manner. Since these individuals seemingly shine in the spotlight and stand out in a crowd, people would get attracted to them. People would want to shine with them and share the same circle with the beautiful and the famous. Unfortunately, narcissists would seem like the perfect kind of company in the short run but as the long run unfolds; so do their true colors and inner divas begin to show. Narcissists cant empathize or love and therefore have no friends (Rachel, 2009). Narcissism can lead to social isolation because of inability to appreciate anything around them aside from themselves. Social isolation potentially leads to depression, placing narcissists at high risk for developing suicidal ideations on the longer run. III. BODY Narcissism is a psychological disorder that is gradually developed over time by the involvement of biological and environmental factors. According to research, Narcissism has something to do with genetics. It is said that children who have Narcissistic parents are most likely to develop Narcissism hence making it a natural and heritable character trait. Geneticists have also started to relate the existence of particular differences in genes with personality disorders. According to a study featured in the 2007 issue of the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, a particular gene referred to as tryptophan hydroxylase-2 may be associated in developing certain personality disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder. Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 aids in regulating the production of serotonin, an important brain chemical involved in mood regulation. Narcissism can be triggered as early as preschool years and may develop over the passage of time. Parent-child relationships including the different styles of parenting are the center of the development of Narcissism. It is believed that narcissism would likely develop as a result of parental rejection. A study from Kohut (1971) attributed narcissism to the inconsistency and lack of empathy of parents to their child. With this, the child seeks attention from others because it presumably is lacking from his parents. The child may behave to the extent of promoting himself through his self-perceived talent (Kernberg, 1975) to gain positive comments from others which he cant receive from his parents. Empty Praises causes the child to feel entitled while lacking the true confidence necessary to feel good about them. The child may then believe he can trust nobody but himself. In contrary to that, narcissism may also develop as a result of parental indulgence. A child may develop an inappro priate high self-appraisal if his parents give him inappropriate positive remarks. He or she may view himself as a person with grandeur and power. We are now living in an increasingly narcissistic society. Media has a big impact in transmitting narcissism to vast populations.ÂÂ  According toÂÂ  Laura Buffadi, online social networking sites like Facebook are common avenues for narcissists since they believe that others are interested in what theyre doing and would want to inform the public of what they are doing. It appears that it might also be possible that this has more to do with the social networks we have at home rather than with those online. Studies have shown that children are left feeling emptier and more prone to insecurities when they are praised for skills or talents that they havent mastered. Meanwhile, praising children for real accomplishments help build up a real self-esteem. Narcissists have such an elevated sense of self-worth that they value themselves as inherently as others. In narcissists, theres a grandiose sense of self-importance. Narcissists like to stare at the mirror and admire their physique. They assume that everyone else is interested to listen to their stories. They think as if they have the natural talent in influencing people. He needs constant attention. Thus he shows a sense of entitlement of deserving others adulation (McAdams, 2006). They tend to use singular pronouns when talking like I, me, my, in a spontaneous speech. Most narcissists require excessive admiration. They may feel as if everyone and everything exists to serve them. They never get satisfied until they get what they think they deserve. They love to take credit of successes and are responsive to opportunities of self enhancement (Wallace Baumeister, 2002). The narcissist recognizes himself as human and others as 3-dimensional cartoons in the background. Narcissists care more about themselves than others. They tend to be in a circle of friends where they first overvalue them then use them and eventually devalue them. Intimacy and transparency are important parts of true friendship, in which narcissists are incapable of. They are one track minded. If threatened by being told that someone else has outperformed them, theyre more likely to put the other person down (Morf Rhodewalt, 1993). They use their so-called friends as instruments to bring them a sense of entitlement or elevate their status. They sufficiently withdraw themselves from others. They love themselves too much that they lack empathy. They express envy when someone gains recognition because they think it should have been rightfully theirs (Videbeck, 2011). Narcissists expect special treatment from others and often result to anger if not given what they want. To a narcissist, nothing is ever good enough and its always the fault of others. Since narcissists have a high self-esteem and are charismatic, non narcissistic individuals get easily attracted to them at first glance and want to be part of their circle. A narcissist may have a lot of friends at first but eventually they would grow tired of his countless me, myself, and I conversations. They soon realize that narcissists only care about themselves and are incapable of genuinely caring for other people and eventually want to walk out from their suffocating shadows. According to Kluger (2011), youre bound to fall in love with narcissists at hello but when you get to know them better, you slowly realize that theyre actually quite unbearable. Their confidence becomes arrogance; charms turn to senselessness; smarts turn to conceitedness. They will talk endlessly about themselves, and never mind you. They have trouble working with others since they cant easily accept criticisms and negative feedbacks. III. Conclusion Narcissists tend to have fewer friends in the long run because narcissism makes individuals feel superior, making it hard to treat others fairly. A narcissist believes that he is the only one and that he is special and unique, and no one is more superior to him. He feels an extremely elevated sense of self worth. He is grandiose, vain, and egocentric all at the same time. With these traits, narcissists are not capable of empathizing. A narcissist is not interested in other people; all he wants is their attention. He only thinks of what is most beneficial for him, not minding the people surrounding him. Since a narcissist cant appreciate the things surrounding him, he will find himself in many similar situations in the future. A few episodes of peer rejection such as these can possibly lead to social isolation then to depression and might even be a reason for the development of suicidal ideation.

Roger Williams, William Penn, the Maryland Assembly and Liberty Conscie

Roger Williams, William Penn, the Maryland Assembly and Liberty Conscience The New England colonies of Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland [Pa. and Md.are not in New England] were founded with the express purpose of dispensing of with a statechurch [not exactly. Rhode Island was â€Å"put together.† Maryland did not have a single statechurch, but the Calverts did not intend to dispense with state support of a church]. In this theydeviated not only from the other British coloes in the New World but also from their Motherlandand indeed all the civilizations of western Christendom to date. Before the founding of RhodeIsland, Pennsylvania, and Maryland these three colonies, a state without an official state churchwas inconceivable. As the Church of England evolved in Britain, the other British colonies inNorth America adopted either Congregationalism, Anglicanism, or Presbyterianism [never a statechurch in the colonies] as their own â€Å"state church.† The idea of a state without a state church wasunprecedented (Cohen 9/30).In place of the u sual state church, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland adopted anew concept: â€Å"liberty of conscience.† Here, â€Å"liberty† is synonymous with â€Å"freedom.† Byâ€Å"conscience† our forefathers meant one's personal religious persuasion and its duties, as RogerWilliams explained to Governor John Endicott: â€Å"... I speake of Conscience, a perswasion fixed inthe minde and heart of a man, which inforceth him to judge (as Paul said of himself apersecutour) and to doe so and so, with respect to God, his worship, etc.† (Williams 340) To thefirst citizens of Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, civil â€Å"freedom of conscience† wasthe ability to live freely as a member of one's religion-that is, to perform such reli... ...es and theology as a Quaker came to influence state organization. And in Maryland, aCatholic Assembly maintained minimal [?] Christianity in order to please its Protestantconstituents. Whether three hundred years ago, two hundred years ago, or today, â€Å"freedom ofreligion† can easily become used in the interests of those in power. Works Cited Cohen, Charles L. Lectures for History 451: Early American Religious History. Fall 1999. Frost, J. William. â€Å"Chapter 1: The Creation of Religious Liberty in Early Pennsylvania,† from A PerfectFreedom. Hall, Timothy L. Separating Church and State: Roger Williams and Religious Liberty. University of IllinoisPress, Chicago: 1998,Maryland Assembly. â€Å"Act Concerning Religion† [ 1649]. Penn, William. â€Å"The Great Case of Liberty of Conscience† [1670]. Williams, Roger. â€Å"To Governor John Endicott, ca. August-September 1651

Music and Identity

The human mind is a shapeless and constantly shifting entity of its own, far surpassing our conscious understanding and in order to create a sense of solidity we develop identity. Identity is difficult to define as it is still subject to large philosophical and psychological debate but is given a broad definition in order to satisfy the many different views as â€Å"maintaining a state of continuity of self and remaining same over time†.The formation of identity and the many ways in which is is formed is subject to even more theological debate but for the purposes of this essay I have chosen to break it down into four main categories: experiences, expression, reflexivity and recognition. Music like most forms of creative expression is an extension of the self and in turn a reflexion as it gives tangibility to our thoughts, emotions and ideas. Music operates on multiple layers of self-identification, as it can highlight ethnic, gender and cultural traits. Music has been a part of human identity since the dawn of man.From ritual dances of ancient tribal peoples to the war songs of ancient Greece and Rome to the more developed forms of music of the Renaissance. It was during the late Renaissance that music began being printed and distributed cheaply and became accessible to a wider audience, it was during this period that a social schism was created that reinforced the separation of higher and lower class, as music of the people or â€Å"Folk† music became popularized in the lower class and â€Å"Classical† music maintained within the aristocracy, each type with its own socially defining associations.The Baroque era had a huge impact on music because music was observed as a planned composition meant to instill specific emotions and ideas in the listener. Where previously there had been no real fashioning of music, a musical language was developed using a powerful rhetoric of notes meant to guide the emotional experience. The Classical Period b egan in the 1750’s and was the freeing of the composers from the private employment of the aristocracy, which allowed for public concerts and aided in the popularization and growth of the orchestra.Technological developments have since had some of the largest impact on music as composers could begin to record and playback and through this, perfect their individual sound. Music is a constant reflexion of cultural trends, an efficient example of the potency of music in creating identity would be the swinging sixties. It was a time of cultural rebellion, millions of youth across the world developed a renewed sense of individual liberty, pooling together and creating a community and new ideals through music.Music had never before been attributed such strength to shape the belief system of youth culture so directly. The song â€Å"My Generation† by Pete Townsend of the who written in 1965 is a perfect example of how music works in classification. It was written by the group to express the cultural differences that emerged between their generations and previous ones who could not understand the shift of belief systems. Music is an auditory form of communication utilizing tones in a continuous structure way.In the book Lost in Music: Culture, Style and the Musical Event, John Shepherd writes that â€Å"It can be asserted that because people create music, they reproduce in the basic structure of their music the basic structure of their own thought process†. If music is the expression of the individuals thought process and individuals are conditioned and molded by the society in which they live, then it would only be logical to conclude that music can be used as a social indicator.Expression in forming the identity is used to convert thoughts into physical form and is also known as verbalization. Lyrics are a very important aspect of songs as they create a new relationship to a piece. They can deliver a very precise and direct message and therefore hold significance to the listener as they choose to indulge the message when they listen to it and are in turn influenced by it. Music has rapidly become more diverse as new styles emerge, each with its own category whether it be hip-hop, rock, classical, country etc.The artists are often the models used to create the lifestyle of the music, this can be explicitly noted in goth rock and hip-hop as some listeners actively exhibit characteristics of the artists. Each kind of music brings about a particular set of values and preconceptions. There are also ethnic divisions in music, as music develops distinctly around the world different styles are created by different cultures, these kinds of music become the musical foundation of people living and reinforce national identity. Music and Identity The human mind is a shapeless and constantly shifting entity of its own, far surpassing our conscious understanding and in order to create a sense of solidity we develop identity. Identity is difficult to define as it is still subject to large philosophical and psychological debate but is given a broad definition in order to satisfy the many different views as â€Å"maintaining a state of continuity of self and remaining same over time†.The formation of identity and the many ways in which is is formed is subject to even more theological debate but for the purposes of this essay I have chosen to break it down into four main categories: experiences, expression, reflexivity and recognition. Music like most forms of creative expression is an extension of the self and in turn a reflexion as it gives tangibility to our thoughts, emotions and ideas. Music operates on multiple layers of self-identification, as it can highlight ethnic, gender and cultural traits. Music has been a part of human identity since the dawn of man.From ritual dances of ancient tribal peoples to the war songs of ancient Greece and Rome to the more developed forms of music of the Renaissance. It was during the late Renaissance that music began being printed and distributed cheaply and became accessible to a wider audience, it was during this period that a social schism was created that reinforced the separation of higher and lower class, as music of the people or â€Å"Folk† music became popularized in the lower class and â€Å"Classical† music maintained within the aristocracy, each type with its own socially defining associations.The Baroque era had a huge impact on music because music was observed as a planned composition meant to instill specific emotions and ideas in the listener. Where previously there had been no real fashioning of music, a musical language was developed using a powerful rhetoric of notes meant to guide the emotional experience. The Classical Period b egan in the 1750’s and was the freeing of the composers from the private employment of the aristocracy, which allowed for public concerts and aided in the popularization and growth of the orchestra.Technological developments have since had some of the largest impact on music as composers could begin to record and playback and through this, perfect their individual sound. Music is a constant reflexion of cultural trends, an efficient example of the potency of music in creating identity would be the swinging sixties. It was a time of cultural rebellion, millions of youth across the world developed a renewed sense of individual liberty, pooling together and creating a community and new ideals through music.Music had never before been attributed such strength to shape the belief system of youth culture so directly. The song â€Å"My Generation† by Pete Townsend of the who written in 1965 is a perfect example of how music works in classification. It was written by the group to express the cultural differences that emerged between their generations and previous ones who could not understand the shift of belief systems. Music is an auditory form of communication utilizing tones in a continuous structure way.In the book Lost in Music: Culture, Style and the Musical Event, John Shepherd writes that â€Å"It can be asserted that because people create music, they reproduce in the basic structure of their music the basic structure of their own thought process†. If music is the expression of the individuals thought process and individuals are conditioned and molded by the society in which they live, then it would only be logical to conclude that music can be used as a social indicator.Expression in forming the identity is used to convert thoughts into physical form and is also known as verbalization. Lyrics are a very important aspect of songs as they create a new relationship to a piece. They can deliver a very precise and direct message and therefore hold significance to the listener as they choose to indulge the message when they listen to it and are in turn influenced by it. Music has rapidly become more diverse as new styles emerge, each with its own category whether it be hip-hop, rock, classical, country etc.The artists are often the models used to create the lifestyle of the music, this can be explicitly noted in goth rock and hip-hop as some listeners actively exhibit characteristics of the artists. Each kind of music brings about a particular set of values and preconceptions. There are also ethnic divisions in music, as music develops distinctly around the world different styles are created by different cultures, these kinds of music become the musical foundation of people living and reinforce national identity.

Diversity, Equity and Social Justice Free Essay Example, 750 words

Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice The 4 â€Å"isms† chosen for purposes of discussion in this paper are racism, religionism, sexism, and ageism. Racism is very well known worldwide. Many people identify blacks to be the historical slaves of whites, having less education, and inferior in many ways. It is not only about the color of the skin. It can be a bias or negative impression against another nationality like the Talibans or Al Qaida because Americans were terrorized by their evil deed in September 11. There are news reports showing comments against Chinese just because they come from a communist country. Failure to educate the children to recognize and respect fellow human beings as co-equal in terms of rights and privileges, regardless of race or color, can build hate, fear, or self-limitations that can make life difficult in this world. As a child, every person should receive respect, care, and justice so that he or she may remember to do the same to another race at any point in time. At an early age, children have learned to distrust other races, probably from some elders of their own race, which makes it difficult for them be happy and comfortable with children not of the same race. We will write a custom essay sample on Diversity, Equity and Social Justice or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/pageorder now It has become difficult at times to eliminate that preconceived understanding that caused their distrust. Religionism has been a great controversy. Even among Christians, one denomination claiming to recognize only the goodness of certain acts, while condemning acts contradicting their preferred acts, although such acts legal or in good taste, can make this world look rather weird. Cope, Mike and Shelly, Rubel (2008) described such people as religious extremists who miss the point of holy living. Those who claim to be learned in the Scriptures or the Koran can become fault finders even in the way people dress. An entire population with the culture of practicing traditions in the present is seen as lawless just because of the interpretations of some religious leaders who want their culture to prevail over another culture. Just take the case of the interpretation of Baptism in order to be saved. Catholics recognize Baptism when the priest sprinkles water on a child. But some Protestants disown the salvation of children because Baptism in their understanding is not sprinkling but immersio n of the entire body in water. And so, among Christians, there are divisions, hatred, envy, jealousy. I even overheard one who said it is good to steal from another denomination because they belong to the devil. Wealth should never be in the hands of the devil. Therefore stealing is right for them. This kind of teaching destroys moral values to a point wherein lawlessness can prevail in the long run. Sexism is said to be destroying American future. Berg, Barbara J. (2009) was able to cite many evidences about anti-feminine gender in the USA. And her claims included the disparity of salaries between men and women, the government policies on abortion, contraceptives, and many other discriminations against the female gender. Teaching children, specially boys to be fair with girls at all times, will eventually train men to recognize the value of women or the female gender which should be regarded highly as to make them truly deserve equality in many respects. A lack of respect for the female gender could be the main reason for high divorce rates and lots of broken families. Ageism or discrimination against the older generation has exacted a toll on the high unemployment rate of people who are 55 and above. The General Accountability Office (GAO, 2012) reported that 55% of the workers who were old and unemployed could not find jobs for over 6 months, according to 2011 statistics. Are the elderly sectors of society not as human as people in their youthful age? What will they eat and live with without an earning job? At Linked In, there are groups who have identified themselves as unemployed and job seekers. One 58 year old testified how skilled, talented, and experienced he is at his age, and yet the world of business makes him feel useless, after striving to find a job for over 6 months and not getting one. For the children, this can have a demoralizing effect when they see their supposed model characters feeling frustrated about their lives. So far, the solution of society has been to place the elderly in the home of the aged, which makes them look lik e they are sick although they are not. And the children get the wrong impression of their own future thinking this is how they will be when they grow old. It emphasizes futility of living at an early age. Others affected by this scenario, may have joined the rat race for material wealth in order to avoid ending up like most old people, to the extent of being shrewd towards fellowmen. A deep understanding of diversity, equity, and social justice can be inculcated in children as well as in adults willing to learn the implications of racism, religionism, sexism, and ageism, Every person is uniquely gifted and certainly deserving of human rights like respect, peace, a decent means of survival which we call work, access to basic needs, opportunities, health care, and the other benefits of life. Regardless of race, creed, color of the skin, whether ugly or beautiful, male or female, short or tall, fat or thin, young or old – all these make no difference in terms of the value of a human being. All men are created equal in spirit and truth. It does not take much intelligence to realize that eventually, all men will settle in a grave of his own with no palace or face, just to prove all men are created equal. All men live to enjoy the gift of life, not to be downgraded by discriminations. Therefore, people should remember to live the way human beings should live, h aving compassion and responsibility for others. Each one need not learn the hard way in order to discover this truth. Everybody can choose to do what is right. In the video, Nadiyah Taylor, Julie Benabides, and Louise Derman Sparks had to learn their lessons the hard way. But at least they learned. Everybody else should also be taught the same diversity, equity, and social justice. Children should also be taught the same while they are young. References Berg, Barbara J. (2009). Sexism in America: Alive, well, and Running Our Future. Lawrence Hill Books, September 1, 2009. Cope, Mike and Shelly, Rubel (2008). What Would Jesus Do Today? LA, USA: Howard Publishing Co. , May 28, 2008. Frederickson, George M. (2003). Racism: A Short History. New Jersey, USA: Princeton University Press GAO (2012). Unemployed Older Workers: Many Experience Challenges Reaining Employment and Face Reduced Retirement Security. Report to the Chairman, Special Committee on Aging, U.S. Senate. United States Government Accountability Office. April 2012.