Malignant narcissism is
all-pervasive and independent of culture and society. It is true,
though, that the way pathological narcissism manifests and is
experienced is dependent on the particulars of societies and cultures.
In some cultures, it is encouraged, in others suppressed. In some
societies it is channeled against minorities - in others it is tainted
with paranoia. In collectivist societies, it may be projected onto the
collective, in individualistic societies, it is an individual's trait.
Yet, can families, organizations, ethnic groups, churches, and even
whole nations be safely described as "narcissistic" or "pathologically
self-absorbed"? Can we talk about a "corporate culture of narcissism"?
Human collectives - states, firms, households, institutions, political
parties, cliques, bands - acquire a life and a character all their own.
The longer the association or affiliation of the members, the more
cohesive and conformist the inner dynamics of the group, the more
persecutory or numerous its enemies, competitors, or adversaries, the
more intensive the physical and emotional experiences of the
individuals it is comprised of, the stronger the bonds of locale,
language, and history - the more rigorous might an assertion of a
common pathology be.
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