Capitalism is a Narcissist
It’s time to say NO MORE
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I’ve been working for pay since age twelve, lending my time, attention, energy, and physical body in exchange for currency. My friends, I am exhausted and tired of playing this game. I fantasize on the regular about living in a world that doesn’t worship money and materialism.
Lately I’ve realized the capitalist economic system is a narcissist. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM), the symptoms of narcissism are as follows:
· Constant need to be the center of attention. If workers don’t keep feeding capitalism, it comes calling for our immediate attention. Everything in our society has become about money, how to get it, how to keep it, and how to scam it from others. You’re either growing and scaling or you’re dying. Feed me, Seymour!
· Deep sense of insecurity. Recognizing the heavy financial trauma that many individuals and families always experience. Work, work, work because the next bill is coming, and Uncle Sam has his hand out. Tired of the hamster wheel? If you rest, you don’t eat.
· Gaslighting. Everywhere we look, advertisements psychologically manipulate us to consume more and more. Yet, when someone overconsumes, accumulates debt, or develops a shopping addiction, it’s all your fault, you just need more self-discipline.
· Exaggerates about achievements and talents. All over social media we see people bragging about their luxury handbag, their new car, their castle, their fabulous vacation. Clickbait articles about how you too, can be a millionaire if you only adopt these special morning routines or mindsets!
· Behaves in an arrogant or haughty manner, coming across as conceited, boastful, and pretentious. Aptly describes the mindset of some people with greater wealth, who look down on those with less resources. Can’t you just pull yourself up by your bootstraps like I did? Your financial struggle is your problem, I am only responsible for myself. I can’t believe they didn’t have my mocha vanilla latte; I’m going to pitch a fit!
· Takes advantage of others to get what they want. The massive wage gap between front line workers and CEOs. The stock market booming during a combination of global pandemic, economic recession, and war…
