06-08-2005, 12:16 AM
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#170 (permalink)
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Shackle Me Not
Location: Newcastle - England.
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I recieved a reply from a well respected author of a book on narcissism, however he has asked that I do not associate his name with the following. I can respect that, you'll just have to take my word for it.
Considering there is only one book on narcissism, it shouldn't be difficult to find out who he is.
Quote:
Greetings –
There are two main hereditary traits that underlie human social activity: narcissism and aggression. We shall assume that the Joker is a narcissistic N type, in whom the lack of the trait of perfectionism (P) and adverse environmental forces (especially “nurture”) have led to a pathological state of megalomania. (The traits of narcissism, N, and aggression, A, can occur either separately or together. The trait P is a mediator of the N and A traits, and need not be present in the human character structure).
The broader question that you are asking is: when the traits A or N assume pathological proportions in a given individual, what are appropriate countermeasures?
As a matter of principle, we do not condone the use of force except as a last resort. But sometimes an individual’s malevolent deeds, or threats, make the use of force an option, or even expedient.
We shall assume that the Joker’s state of mind is such that he is a visible threat to public health and safety. In such a case the use of force could have two possible objectives: (1) it could stop a malevolent act in its tracks and actually save the lives of innocents being under attack, or (2) it could act as a signal that the malevolent behavior is recognized for what it is and will not be condoned.
You do not specify exactly what the Joker is in the process of conjuring, but we shall assume that the use of force is justified. In that case, a sharp blow to the back of the head by Jason may indeed be appropriate, and could act as positive countermeasure relevant to both (1) and (2) above.
A non-fatal sharp blow to the back of the head could be of at least two types:
Type A. a blow of moderate force causing no permanent brain damage, but – indeed – stunning the individual and causing him to “snap out of it” temporarily.
Type B. a severe blow causing some brain damage, leading to a diminution of cognitive faculties (ability to think, learn, etc.) or of motor abilities (ability to move, etc. in a coordinated fashion).
To give the Joker a last chance to reform his evil ways, we ourselves would instruct Jason to deliver a Type A blow, reserving for the future the possibility of a Type B blow.
You must realize, however, that the trait of narcissism is a genetic trait that is hard-wired into our personality structure. Although we cannot change the Joker’s personality very much, we sure can change his behavior!
Regards,
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