"What's the point of doing anything worthwhile if nobody's watching?"

[coberst]

“What's the point of doing anything worthwhile if nobody's watching?"

 

‘Narcissism’ is a word that I have encountered often in the last few years. People who study such matters describe our (Western) culture as being narcissistic.

 

Apparently we have become a narcissistic culture because our focus has concentrated on the self to the exclusion of “the greater good”.

 

When I examine the list of characteristics detailed in “Narcissism”: a grandiose self, foolish fantasies, craving fame, rage combined with bluff and bluster, shallowness, etc. I find that, of course, this is modern wo/man. http://it.stlawu.edu/~jwhorr32/page8.html

 

The media is blamed/credited with having a large hand in creating this narcissistic culture. I suspect McLuhan is being shown to be more and more prescient every day; the “Media is the Message”.

[CerebralEcstasy]

"What's the point of doing anything worthwhile if nobody's watching?"

 

On the flipside, what's the point of watching if no one is doing anything?

 

It would break the narcissistic cyle if people weren't so quick to always watch whatever these people are doing.

 

The first thing that springs to mind, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt. Do I care that they had a baby in Namibia?

 

How many women were giving birth at that very same moment, under very different conditions?

 

I care more about the people who aren't being heard, the ones not clamouring for another minute in their 15 minutes of fame.

 

I quit watching a long time ago for this reason. Yet, the media continues to try and force this down my throat.

 

Someday when people realize that most of the garbage presented by the media isn't worth watching, it will change for the better.

[coberst]

C Ecstasy from Hicksville--this is Coberst from the Smoky Mountains USA

 

Well said! If more people were to comprehend what you and I know they would get a life—they would get an intellectual life and would not have time for such nonsense. They could join with you and me and do worthwhile things like posting really smart stuff on the Internet.

[Boerseun]

The first thing that springs to mind, Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt. Do I care that they had a baby in Namibia?

Agreed. I think the moment of conception would've been infinitely more watchable.

[DarkColoredLight]

"You say I am narcissistic and cold hearted, well yeah maybe

But I don't give a damn about you this much is true

My vision is blurry and my thoughts are hazy baby

I know I'm stupid so I am must be smarter than you." - Rehab

 

 

Could this be linked someone to feeling important. When I flip through the channels I'm subconciously thinking; "What is he doing that I couldn't do better?"

 

For some, it's that annoying guy/girl that isn't fit, with average or below average looks. Lot's of money. And to top it off, they look like they're having fun. Opposite effect on something like Fear Factor. Hot girls eating coagulated cow blood seems to be a hit.

 

I'll try to speak for everyone by pointing out the obviouse. What pres. Bush displays to the media, would give you the impression that a charismatic six year old could do his job. No offense to any charismatic six year olds out there.

 

 

The camera is a addictive drug. Mass media is just the dealer.

[InfiniteNow]

Narcissism is often a deeply rooted, little recognized overcompensation for personal insecurities. Perhaps our culture, as a whole, is just becoming more and more insecure?

[ughaibu]

Presumably the narcissistic tone of post 3 is intended as a joke(?)

[coberst]

Presumably the narcissistic tone of post 3 is intended as a joke(?)

 

Just non sense and rambling! Once I started I could not stop myself. All of a sudden every thing just seems to be so much ado about nothing. This mood often hits me late in the day. Fortunately I sleep every 24 hours and awaken with a fresh outlook. My apologies.

[TheFaithfulStone]

Rest assured.

 

Someone is watching. :)

 

TFS

[TheBigDog]

I don't care about narsissism. I care only about me.

 

I feel the same way about narsissism as I do about apethy: who cares about apethy?

 

Be wary of those who would have you deny yourself.

 

Bill

[infamous]

Narcissism is often a deeply rooted, little recognized overcompensation for personal insecurities. Perhaps our culture, as a whole, is just becoming more and more insecure?

You make a very valid point there Infy2; If we consider the state of world peace, one can find a very good reason for this recognized insecurity....................Infy1

[coberst]

I don't care about narsissism. I care only about me.

 

I feel the same way about narsissism as I do about apethy: who cares about apethy?

 

Be wary of those who would have you deny yourself.

 

Bill

 

Well said Big Dog!

[InfiniteNow]

If we consider the state of world peace...

Where is this state of which you speak? I, for one, would love to move there! :)

[IDMclean]

The once-chained people whose leaders at last lose their grip on information flow will soon burst with freedom and vitality, but the free nation gradually constricting its grip on public discourse has begun its rapid slide into despotism.

 

Beware of he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart he dreams himself your master.

 

This would be my opinion on the matter as of today. I freely admit that I am Narsisstic. If I find something pleasing in another person, it is always because it is a quality that I either lack in myself, or that the person has in greater abundence than I.

[Panjandrum]

Not only is everyone narcisstic, but such has always been the case. Self interest is the only thing that motivates people, and as such, humans naturally see any situation in terms of themselves and thier desires. I defy anyone to demonstrate such is not true.

[TheFaithfulStone]

Done.

 

http://www.santafe.edu/~jpepper/papers/The_Age.htm

 

But you won't believe it.

 

Why do I bother?

 

TFS

[IDMclean]

Interesting, are you making the assertion that Narcissism is evil? or in some way wrong? Or that an excess of narcissism is wrong? I do not understand how this refutes the interest in the self to develop the society?

 

I know that all things are secondary to myself, and that all things I do will benefit the society. Not to say that all the things that society will do will benefit me.

 

I fully acknowledge that I am both Selfish and altruistic. as the concepts are not mutually exclusive.