1. Culture of Narcissism
D’Mitri A. Farthing Jr.
Science, Technology, and Society, Colby College, Waterville, ME
Abstract
Humans, beings without claws, venom, fur, or particularly dangerous
teeth have somehow managed to ascend to the top of the food chain.
We have conquered all other species, harnessed fire, and created
weapons capable of destroying the entire world. Humans have cured
plagues, and committed atrocities like the Holocaust. We have
contributed to global warming at an alarming rate, and yet have
organizations like Green Peace. Why is this?
According to Greek mythology Narcissus was a hunter who was
renowned for his beauty throughout the world. His beauty and in turn
pride was so great that Narcissus inspired envy and in those around
him. One day, out of spite towards the pompousness of Narcissus,
Nemesis draws Narcissus towards a pool. At this pool Narcissus
becomes so enamored of his reflection that he falls into the water and
drowns.
Humans live with a constant need to assert our power, in order to
justify our existence. Human beings are the ultimate narcissists, and as
a result we feel the need to bathe in our own glory. It is for this reason
that we have created awards, which we then bestow on ourselves. It is
why we create empires only to destroy them and, why we have
museums that focus on our long past achievements.
Examples
The myth of Narcissus is a relic of a bygone era, however that is not to
say that the lesson it sought to impart is not relevant. In contrast, in this
new era of consumption and obsession the lesson should ring more true
than ever.
Our obsession with ourselves permeates every aspect of daily life. Even
our explanations of our own existence are ripe with Narcissism. May
faiths rely on the notion that human kind was created in our Maker’s
Image. This belief is reliant upon the idea that while we ourselves may
not be perfect we are as close as physically possible. This belief that
human beings alone were worthy of the glory of looking our creator is
self-obsession and glorification at it’s highest level.
Where Do We Go?
To discredit the value that narcissism has posed for the human race is
not the goal. One must understand that Narcissism has been the driving
force behind most human innovation. The desire to better the
circumstances of one’s life is the fuel of human innovation. However, it is
only when that desire to do what has never been done before that
exceeds the common good or world’s well being that narcissism poses a
threat.
Human beings are the only species which creates monuments to our
own progress. There are annual awards, oftentimes acoompanied by
grand sums of money, to commemorate our owns achievements like
the Nobel Peace Prize and Person of The Year.
The truly sad aspect of the narcissistic mindset of human beings is the
desire to take responsibility for all things even tragedy and yet we feel
no shame. This current time epoch is without a name. In this era we
have rules, and relatedly we have suffered. The earth is being
destroyed at a rate unimaginable before and yet we as a species
choose ti remain idle. Fittingly though we still choose to call this epoch
the Anthropocene.
Human are responsible for the most rapid planetary degradation in
history, and we are glad to name it after ourselves, provided we do not
have to act.
First world narcissism seems to be focused on the production of bigger,
better, and faster. This mindset while positive for technological
advancement oftentimes has unintended or unfoiresen consequences
for less well off populations. For example, slash and burn farming
techniques produce good harvests, but render large amounts of forest
and farmland useless. In areas like Guatemala and Brazil this is
devastating the homeland of indigenous groups.
Narcissism also poses physical dangers to peolein the vein of the Cold
War. The Cold War was a battle of narcissistic ideologies which brought
ruin on massive populations like those of Vietnam, and Korea. Tens of
millions of people were left dead in a pointless battle and countless
nations were perpetually on edge at the thought of nuclear war.
Again it is not a question of advancement versus remaining archaic in
ones technological means. The question however should be, at what
cost will this innovation come? In order to combat the negative effects of
our narcissism we must begin to think about the effects that our our
desire to be great will have on others.
If we do not then we will soon be alone this planet, and the human race
will vanish with a whimper unbefitting our efforts.