The term narcissism is widely discussed in internet literature, but often in one dimension. I believe that every human being has some degree of narcissism. However, outside of this article, you may encounter the notion that narcissistic behaviours are inherently negative, representing a high level of selfishness. This is where I begin to disagree. While I do not dismiss the literature influenced by Western perspectives, I would like to propose a new approach to defining this complex concept. Every word has a story, and "narcissism" is no exception. The essence of narcissism begins with the simple act of enjoying one’s beauty—looking in the mirror and appreciating one’s appearance. If we take a narrow, literal interpretation of this conduct, it can indeed be seen as a selfish trait. However, a certain level of self-appreciation is necessary for developing self-esteem.
Now, let me address a
deeper level of this concept that most people overlook. If you can appreciate
your beauty—whether inner or outer—you also become capable of appreciating
others. Here, I want to expand the definition of narcissism to embrace a more
positive perspective. When you look into the mirror and take pleasure in what
you see, it enables you to recognize and empathize with the feelings of others.
In short, one becomes more sensitive to those around you because you see their
reflections in your own experience.
To clarify my point, I
propose two new terms:
· Negative narcissism and
· Positive narcissism.
A negative narcissist
only sees one face. That's their face. In contrast, a positive narcissist
sees all the faces behind them.
Cases studies - Actors
Successful actors at the
top tier never insult their counterparts. I am not saying they never make
mistakes when discussing others. The top-tier actors generally do not seek to
tarnish the image of their competition. Because it affects them. There may be
exceptions, but predominantly lead actors refrain from doing so. This behaviour
stems from a sense of positive narcissism and a "birds of a feather"
mentality. They recognize the challenges in their careers and view their
colleagues as collaborators rather than threats. When certain actors personally
attack others, it is usually those who are less successful than others. They
often lack an understanding of what it takes to reach or maintain a position in
the top tier despite being extremely talented. Their attacks on others' images
would be due to a deficiency in self-confidence. True leaders in the film
industry do not engage in such behaviour. Another aspect of this issue is the
phenomenon of passionate fans attacking rival actors. It often results from blind
adoration developed during their teenage or young adult years towards specific
actors, actresses, writers, or directors. Such fervent fans can create
difficulties for those they view as opponents. While fans typically admire
every work of the actors they love in television or cinema, some lead actors do
not oppose this behaviour, as it contributes to their success. That attitude
puts them in a dilemma, as they are constantly aware of their competitors.
Case study - Politicians
Criticism is an inherent
part of a politician's public life. Politicians can embody either negative or
positive forms of narcissism upholding their ideologies. Negative narcissists
exclude most of their opponents from constructive discussions, often fixating
solely on their image. Interestingly, this behaviour has value in politics; the
rationale is that it helps avoid constant conflicts with opponents. It makes sense in the case of politics.
On the other hand,
positive narcissism can lead to selfless efforts with little tangible outcome,
resembling sacrifice. Only a few political leaders operate without ambitions
for power, even when granted authority. These positive narcissists are loved by
their followers for their selflessness, but eventually, there may be pressure
for them to shift away from constant sacrifice.
Balancing personal ideals
with the aggressive nature of politics, which involves power dynamics and
social responsibility, can be challenging. When it comes to criticism, some
leaders may damage the reputations of their opponents, while others work to enhance
their image through their actions. Very few ethical leaders criticize solely
from a political standpoint; many tend to mix political critiques with personal
attacks, especially as elections approach.
