by Georgie Márquez-André
October 24, 2005
NARCISSISM, n. Mental disorder characterized by extreme self-absorption, an exaggerated sense of self-importance, and a need for attention and admiration from others.
("narcissism." Britannica Concise Encyclopedia from Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. www.britannica.com )
ACCISMUS, n. Feigning disinterest in something while actually desiring it.
(From A.Word.A.Day, AWAD. )
"Accismus is showing disinterest in something while secretly wanting it. It's a form of irony where one pretends indifference and refuses something while actually wanting it. In Aesop's fable, the fox pretends he doesn't care for the grapes. Caesar, in shakespeare's Julius Caesar, is reported as not accepting the crown." A.Word.A.Day.
I am reading a very good book, Blue Like Jazz
.
However, the author, a member of what used to be called Gen-X (late twenties/early thirties), is driving me crazy!
I love this generation... they are smart, savvy, they don't take things for granted, and are not afraid to question. But (or rather), BUT... they (ok... not all, but many...) suffer from a rare combination of accismus and narcissism. This unique way of seeing themselves, the world, and others, is becoming more and more the accepted way of being.
What do I mean? Let me try to explain.
Narciaccismus, as I will label this syndrome, is a combination of self-absorption, and false self-deprecation.
It is most clearly seen in many media/movie heros, men and women keenly aware of who they are, very aware of their postive qualities, their strengths... yet never flaunting them... their good side is just a fact.
On the other hand, they are also keenly aware of their negative qualities. There is no minimizing, or masking their weaknesses. However, in a bizarre parallel to the way they accept their good side as simple fact... they accept their bad side in like manner. Thus, we find a society that is becoming more and more tolerant, not just of other's flaws, but of their own flaws.
Now, mind you... I am not expecting self-flagellation (extreme criticism of oneself), but maybe a little contriteness, remorse... regret. You know, a sense that they feel bad about their minor foibles.
Instead, we are subjected to the endless self-examination, appraisals, analysis, of these flaws. With the eye of an objective, independent investigator, they rehash, again and again their uniqueness, in all its nakedness.
The problem, I believe, is that this way of looking at life goes right along with the whole "don't judge, be tolerant" worldview.
We can't judge others... and, in like manner... the new trend seems to be, accept me as I am... I do; don't try to change me... I'm not interested... don't judge me... I don't.
So, now... the new trend in self-esteem is the "anti-self-improvement:" this is who I am, why change?
Well... maybe because you can be more, better... because as a divine creation, you were created for greatness... and greatness requires the refinement that comes from smoothing out the rough spots and buffing the dull areas. Oh, and by the way... yes, it will be painful... but like the Marines say... pain is weakness leaving the body.
Please... grow up!
And, don't forget... the agencies that provide relief to those still in need, are still in need of YOUR help:
The Salvation Army, Operation Blessing, American Red Cross.
Have a blessed week.
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