August 17, 2007

Narcissism
You can’t say “no” to a bear. Give it a small amount of food and it will not consider your evidence that there is no more available. It’s sense of entitlement is inherent in the genes that determine its brain structure. It will take advantage of any situation that appears to meet its needs.

Bear mentality and human Narcissism have much in common. Recent research leads scientists to believe that narcissism may be of genetic origin. I look forward to further research in this direction. Bear trainers know how to deal with bears without getting malled. If Narcissists have very little control over a malfunctioning brain, then after, identifying the problem, one can learn how to deal with these inflicted persons. (The information below is an exaggeration that is both humorous and too close for comfort in facts.)

Notice how these symptoms of Narcissism (research from DSM IV) are similar to a bear’s perspective of life:

1. A grandiose sense of self-importance. ( A bear knows it is capable of dealing with foes.)
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love. ( I doubt that a bear needs to fantasize, it just knows what it wants and goes for it.)
3. Believes that he or she is "special" and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions) (Bears usually stick with bears for company.)
4. Requires excessive admiration ( You’d have to ask a bear trainer about this one.)
5. Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favourable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations ( a caged bear would probably have what humans would consider unreasonable expectations should it attack the zoo keeper.) 6. Is interpersonally exploitative, i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends ( This is survival tactic for a bear.)
7. Lacks empathy and is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others ( Bears have one point of view. Survival of the fittest.)
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her ( I doubt that a bear spends much time on these traits, he just attacks.)
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviours or attitudes ( Ever watch a bear swagger as it walks?) 10. Self esteem is fragile which can be exhibited in rage. Anger when needs are not met.( How fragile or even if bears have a sense of self is mote, but certainly they will go into a rage if there needs are not met.)

When a bear encroaches on people’s territory and steals food, threatens life, or takes a life, we deal with it accordingly. Narcissistic behavior that border on criminality must have legal consequences as well. However, if Narcissism is identified, and society learns to deal with this personality type, perhaps the consequences could be avoided.

This article if meant to be food for thought and is not meant to be a solution.