Individual And Social Narcissism

Sigmund Freud's contributions in understanding the motivation of our species are beyond comparisons.Today's essay utilizes the concept of narcissism, one of his most important contributions. Narcissism is defined as an excessive preoccupation with oneself, one's own needs and personal importance, often accompanied by a lack of empathy for others. The trauma of the birth event is associated with life beginning outside of the womb. At birth, the newborn experiences an infusion of terrifying stimuli. Its helplessness, dependence and survival is in jeopardy. He requires both biological and psychological requirements to meet his existential needs of being separate, lonely , frightened and small. Can and how does the baby transcend its separateness? Freud hypothesized that the infant was initially unable to relate to the external world and was not able to distinguish between “I” and not “I. “ Its reality was related to its body, physical sensations, cold ,warmth, thirst, need for sleep and bodily contact. In other words, for the first few months or so, its psychic energy was directed inward. Freud referred to this as a stage of primary narcissism. With infant development,some of its psychic energy becomes directed outward towards the mothering figure as its awareness and recognition of the other begins. Being alone, fearful and dependent is an important part of the infant's existence because of the psychological variables of trust, safety, protection, well-being and anxiety associated with a mothering figure. The fear of separation or loss becomes highly significant. Its main component is the need for attachment, belonging , safety, protection and unconditional love and affection. But ,when there’s a significant withdrawal of psychic energy away from that mothering object or some other external object back to the ego , Freud referred to that stage as secondary narcissism. This essay's focus is about secondary narcissism. A few characteristics of secondary narcissism attributed to Trump follow.Trump’s preoccupation with self is crystal clear. Trump’s focus was not on the Iran war but directed toward the ballroom,Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool etc. At his GOP rallies, he talked more about himself and employed numerous distractions like his physical descriptions of man’s anatomy . He was not able to target his policy failures .Further, he pretends there is no limit to his power and wants the impossible irrespective of God; constitution ; the midterm elections or even the rule of law. A decrease in his popularity became a narcissist injury, which makes him more frightened. He attacked enemies like comedians, press, mail in ballots, obtaining voter data, threats of military presence at various election sites, use of taxpayer money for ads praising his presidency and even telling voters he would give them $5,000 if Republicans win. Trump’s ruthlessness was on full display. He also seemed to be unaware of the outer reality - taking Canada, Greenland, Cuba, and his open display of excessive greed with all the money schemes- stock trading and crypto. Failures like losing the 2020 election , 2026 mid terms , apologizing, or acknowledging that he can’t do anything wrong-the tariffs, economy, cost-of-living and even starting wars are other illustrations . Trump cannot believe that women do not find him attractive. He rationalized and came up with ideas that they don't respond to him because they're afraid of intimacy. How could E. Jean Carol not find him attractive and did not welcome his advances ? He does not have the ability to perceive reality with others as distinct from his own feelings and desires. Trump displayed excessive sensitivity to criticism. He attacked fake news, reporters, James, Comey and others calling them stupid and so forth.His reality was irrational - he deserves a prize for peace? He's totally out of touch. Examples of excessive emotional narcissism relate to his claims that he's the greatest president ever, the most intelligent, best ideas,brilliant thinker, super policies , best looking wife ,his buildings , Mar-A-Lago, his hair and of course Ivanka .In other words ,Trump's self-image becomes the object of his narcissistic attachment and he does the same with everything connected with him. On the other hand,make no mistake that healthy narcissism is necessary for survival and for the culture to develop. However, it’s a threat when there’s authoritarians in charge of the government. Cooperation is important and necessary . The inability to cooperate interferes with a fully functioning democracy. However, with that being said,we find that Trump’s personal narcissism became associated, attached and transferred to a particular group and became GOP narcissism Trump was the” mother” for too many frightened, lonely, separate, and worried citizens. He promised to love them, protect them from non-citizens, rapists and take care of their physiological requirements. They readily identified with this 'powerful" white man and believed him irrespective of his flaws. Trump symbolized strength and love.Trump and the GOP became one . Part 2 Social Narcissism to follow.