Narcissism

Narcissism has not only become a normalized social condition, it is increasingly being incentivized.

Lack of empathy, entitlement, grandiosity, superficiality, anger, rage, arrogance, and shallow emotion is a manifestation of pathological insecurity – an insecurity that is experienced at both the individual and societal level.

The paradox is that we value these patterns – and venerate them through social media, mainstream media, and consumerism, they represent a fast-track to financial and professional success. These traits are endemic in political, corporate, academic, and media leaders.

Our culture is immersed in tales of hope, redemption, and forgiveness, and while that's all very healthy, in the wrong hands hope and forgiveness may not represent an opportunity for growth or change or restoration, but rather permission to just keep things going as they are, because with narcissists forgiveness is interpreted as, "Hey let's just keep the status quo."