The enlightened narcissist realizes that for average Americans, justice delayed may in fact be “the new justice”. Its proponents nonetheless abhor stagnation. They nurture enough patience to prevail − not waste time or simply endure losses. Despite being wired for victory, they shun so-called quick fixes − considering them more distractions than solutions to entrenched problems.
While narcissism is a personality disorder characterized by excessive self-esteem, the term narcissist is often used in a non-clinical sense to describe a somewhat self-involved, selfish person. The trait is linked to Narcissus, a character from Greek mythology who supposedly loved his own reflection. Few people eagerly admit to being narcissistic, but some describe it as a phase triggered by serious injustice.
Many people who look to America’s legal system for relief and find themselves traumatized and otherwise harmed by the experience understandably fixate (at least to some extent) on being restored or made whole. Perhaps fixation is a negative concept, but it can be aligned with the positive process of realizing a spiritual destiny or life purpose. Anyone driven by a sense of destiny or purpose recognizes his or her need to focus on achieving related goals to the point of seeming narcissistic, occasionally if not always. Perhaps to counter that impression, some people attribute their relentlessness in whole or part to service of others. However, overcoming serious legal system abuse on a grassroots basis in America requires mutual support among those committed to that goal -- a you help me, I help you disposition. The most self-serving thing anyone can do in that context is stay part of one or more loosely structured or formally established groups in which the members earnestly help each other overcome shared obstacles.
Of course, harnessing group support is hardly a new survival tactic. Embattled individuals have likely sought strength in numbers since mankind began. The quest is unduly self-focused only when corresponding support of a group or its members is conditioned on all participants receiving a commensurate benefit simultaneously or within an objectively short time frame, regardless of available manpower. We manifest this mindset by reserving wholehearted support for only our direct, immediate supporters. The approach mimics, but actually undermines self-preservation in the face of systemic, systematic misconduct.
Effective grassroots good government/anti-corruption advocates rely on strategies as shrewd and sustained as the misdeeds they combat. Whether bolstered by a seven or eight figure budget or the modest means of seven or eight people, these champions of justice tackle complex societal problems through staggered campaigns and graduated reform per necessity. An enlightened narcissist or survivalist does not begrudge this process. He or she does not consciously or in effect starve activist groups of support to leverage all or nothing propositions.
The enlightened narcissist realizes that for average Americans, justice delayed may in fact be “the new justice”. Its proponents nonetheless abhor stagnation. They nurture enough patience to prevail − not waste time or simply endure losses. Despite being wired for victory, they shun so-called quick fixes − considering them more distractions than solutions to entrenched problems.
Quite possibly, “the new justice” disciples are more realists and pragmatists than enlightened narcissists. They equate mutual support with prudence as much if not more than selflessness. Unsurprisingly, they resort to reason more than ego. They prefer tactics and strategies with proven, positive results. Their inclinations are as flexible as they need to be to help chart and follow sound paths to success.
Clinical narcissism may preclude true mutuality which has at its core genuine, substantial regard for others. Yet undue self-sacrifice is not the hallmark of sincere caring. Self-preservation obviously equips us to help others. Hence, the reliance on mutual support for mutual survival among average Americans collaborating to overcome serious abuses of power. This communal approach is pro-active; it exceeds a generalized spirit of cooperation. Participants are, act like, and seem to be close family members committed to maximizing consensus and minimizing conflict through reasonableness, respect, and robust dialogue.
Zena Crenshaw-Logal, Executive Director
National Judicial Conduct and Disability Law Project, Inc.