2006-06-12 02:27:45 · 6 answers · asked by Optimistic 6 in Social Science ➔ Sociology
Yes, I think it's quite possible. Especially in the U.S. where so many people are obsessed with their looks. (You're talking about general narcissism and not the actual diagnosed psychological condition, right?)
It seems like every other commercial I see on tv is about some new miracle diet pill, a facial cream that gets rid of wrinkles, or excercise equipment that is guaranteed to make you thin and pretty in just a few weeks. I think television has a particularly strong influence on American culture since so many people watch a lot of it. The message people get over and over is that they don't look good. The more they watch, the more they believe it. The more they believe it, the more they become obsessed with themselves and their looks. Thus, they become more narcissistic.
I'm American, by the way. I don't usually obsess about my looks but every now and then I catch myself wondering if there's a good way to whiten my teeth.
2006-06-12 08:26:59 · answer #1 · answered by ☼Grace☼ 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Although, I'm not clear what you mean by 'suffer', I do feel that many individuals need, and act from 'group permission', or respond to 'peer pressure', when expressing.certain characteristics, and beliefs, that they would deny when alone, as representative of their honest beliefs.
In other words, I feel afraid and angry about X, and the group may be expressing itself angrily about Y, so I'll 'throw in with them', and start adapting their beliefs, because it lends valitity to me and MY beliefs, even though I don't fully accept the position as they present it.
As far as defining the term Narcissism, are you meaning to say obsessive self fascination, denying faults that are apparent to others?
Advertising, (commercial AND political), relys heavily on this to hope we 'get on the band wagon', and keep up with the Jonses", and therefore buy their product/idea/point of view.
I feel that too often we over generalize, look for quick and simple answers to complex questions, (thank you popular media), and don't truly attempt to 'dig out' the real answers.
2006-06-12 09:52:43 · answer #2 · answered by sunnyjay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, everybody has to some extent a bit of narcissism within themselves. It will very on different perspectives though.
Aloha!
2006-06-12 14:00:41 · answer #3 · answered by Ruby W.F. 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
dont we already-looks play such a large part in the american way of life and you are quite often judged by your look long before someone knows you-to anyone who disagrees i ask you how much you look in the mirror before going out-lots of love keep the peace old hippie
2006-06-12 09:32:18 · answer #4 · answered by bergice 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Indeed they can.
2006-06-12 17:16:04 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
im not sure about entire........
2006-06-12 10:02:02 · answer #6 · answered by chef spicey 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋