Narcissus, the handsome youth in the Greek mythology, had never seen himself in a mirror. So when he happened to look into a lake, he fell in love with his reflection, not knowing that it was his own image. So obsessed he became that he died pining for it. Little did he know that in modern times, his very name would denote a personality trait. We all have a little narcissist tendency in us. Well, that's normal. It is not a crime to love oneself, but a sane person would never allow it to become an object of obsession.
Now, in these times of incessant media bombardment for products ranging from diapers to cars, how can one escape from not being attracted to them? We come across people in our daily lives, highly pre-occupied with self-admiration, and mask their lack of self-esteem, behind a veil of boisterous talks, to the point that others might find it irritating, tiring or even hilarious. This obsession is further fuelled by companies who go to any lengths to portray an unrealistic picture, to push their sales. So in such an environment, how can one remain unaffected? The pester power that children wield has greatly helped the advertisers to laugh all the way to the bank. The pressure to possess the latest gadgets or follow a latest trend is immense. Or else there is that fear of being branded as outdated. And nobody likes that! So is it my fault if I become a narcissist? Why, even the friend's pet dog wants to go to the salon for grooming!
How is easy it has become to be obsessed with something! It feels nice to wear a brand, but to become a slave of brands is something else. The page 3 scenario is abuzz with activities and excitement. How can I help if it makes me feel left out, incomplete and unwanted? The celebrity culture is thrust upon us. If an actress repeats a dress, it makes headlines as though the economy of the country depends upon it. Every celebrity has jumped into the charity bandwagon. What would've happened to all the orphans, mentally and physically challenged kids, without the celebrities making an appearance with them? Aren't they really blessed? Whether there is a launch of a certain brand, or a film is about to be released or for the sake of publicity, these celebrities seem to don many feathers in their hats. Sigh! It makes me aware of being a lesser mortal. The air-brushed photographs of 40 something actresses make any twenty some things feel ashamed of themselves. The cosmetic surgeons have never had a better time. So who is to be blamed if the acquaintance’s daughter wants that Angelina Jolie pout? Certainly not she!
And then how can we leave out the politicians. Any road or a bridge cannot be thrown open to the public, without the local leader not inaugurating it. After all he was behind the very construction of it! And then how about taking credit for anything and everything that has turned out well and washing hands off something that raises concern? How many times we find people in power throwing their attitude around even if they have committed a mistake with a ‘you-don’t-know-who-I-am’ look? Well, you should know that they survive on the staple diet of flattery. Are they responsible for their behaviour? We all know the answer
Still unaffected by all the things happening around you? Great! Its time you went to the forest to meditate. After all, this world is maya (a highly misinterpreted term)! And for all those who would like to survive this game called life, here is the secret recipe;
Ingredients: 1 cup arrogance, 2 cups exaggeration, 1 tablespoon indifferent attitude, 3 tablespoons non-empathy, shamelessness as required, thankless attitude for garnishing.
Method: Mix a little arrogance with exaggeration, add to it an indifferent attitude, grind these with a non-empathetic stance towards others, and sprinkle it with talks as though others are waiting only to listen to you. Stir well. Finally garnish it with thanklessness. And voila.... you get a perfect narcissist fare. Serve it to others with a shameless attitude. Can serve any number of people.
Now, in these times of incessant media bombardment for products ranging from diapers to cars, how can one escape from not being attracted to them? We come across people in our daily lives, highly pre-occupied with self-admiration, and mask their lack of self-esteem, behind a veil of boisterous talks, to the point that others might find it irritating, tiring or even hilarious. This obsession is further fuelled by companies who go to any lengths to portray an unrealistic picture, to push their sales. So in such an environment, how can one remain unaffected? The pester power that children wield has greatly helped the advertisers to laugh all the way to the bank. The pressure to possess the latest gadgets or follow a latest trend is immense. Or else there is that fear of being branded as outdated. And nobody likes that! So is it my fault if I become a narcissist? Why, even the friend's pet dog wants to go to the salon for grooming!
How is easy it has become to be obsessed with something! It feels nice to wear a brand, but to become a slave of brands is something else. The page 3 scenario is abuzz with activities and excitement. How can I help if it makes me feel left out, incomplete and unwanted? The celebrity culture is thrust upon us. If an actress repeats a dress, it makes headlines as though the economy of the country depends upon it. Every celebrity has jumped into the charity bandwagon. What would've happened to all the orphans, mentally and physically challenged kids, without the celebrities making an appearance with them? Aren't they really blessed? Whether there is a launch of a certain brand, or a film is about to be released or for the sake of publicity, these celebrities seem to don many feathers in their hats. Sigh! It makes me aware of being a lesser mortal. The air-brushed photographs of 40 something actresses make any twenty some things feel ashamed of themselves. The cosmetic surgeons have never had a better time. So who is to be blamed if the acquaintance’s daughter wants that Angelina Jolie pout? Certainly not she!
And then how can we leave out the politicians. Any road or a bridge cannot be thrown open to the public, without the local leader not inaugurating it. After all he was behind the very construction of it! And then how about taking credit for anything and everything that has turned out well and washing hands off something that raises concern? How many times we find people in power throwing their attitude around even if they have committed a mistake with a ‘you-don’t-know-who-I-am’ look? Well, you should know that they survive on the staple diet of flattery. Are they responsible for their behaviour? We all know the answer
Still unaffected by all the things happening around you? Great! Its time you went to the forest to meditate. After all, this world is maya (a highly misinterpreted term)! And for all those who would like to survive this game called life, here is the secret recipe;
Ingredients: 1 cup arrogance, 2 cups exaggeration, 1 tablespoon indifferent attitude, 3 tablespoons non-empathy, shamelessness as required, thankless attitude for garnishing.
Method: Mix a little arrogance with exaggeration, add to it an indifferent attitude, grind these with a non-empathetic stance towards others, and sprinkle it with talks as though others are waiting only to listen to you. Stir well. Finally garnish it with thanklessness. And voila.... you get a perfect narcissist fare. Serve it to others with a shameless attitude. Can serve any number of people.
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