The New Narcissism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The New Narcissism - Essay Example In his view, the structure has gradually come to be prime psychological diagnosis in contemporary life. Lasch expresses that most of modern societies tend to recognize individuals based on a hierarchical relationship that is usually expressed as in form of symbols such as material wealth and a self-indulgent lifestyle. In these societies, relationship to other is therefore based and determined by the ability to compete with others on acquiring these symbols. Consequently, these societies regard personality as a means to fostering communication as well as breeding callous competition. Similarly, due to the fact that every person in these societies is focused on acquiring the relationship symbols, most actions done are usually ignored irrespective of their legality thereby conforming to the Narcissist traits of neuroticism, passive aggressiveness or obsession to a point of being a bully or an opportunist (Lasch). Another theme that is clearly presented in Lasch’s idea of narcissism in the society is that pertaining to disregard of the elderly within contemporary narcissist societies. This is possibly because such societies tend to perceive ageing as a sign of weakness in the competition that exists within such societies. The same case also applies to those having ill health. Their vast knowledge and wisdom of life is similarly ignored or is considered irrelevant, which is a pathway to their isolation within the society. In other words, such a culture tends to undervalue old experience and instead places more emphasis on physical strength and agility such that their definition of productivity exclude the old generation (Lasch). Lasch also presents another issue of the perception of women by men in these new narcissists’ societies. He presents that most women have come to resent men perhaps sue to the constant discrimination that the