Again, I am not formally educated or trained in psychology. I had many psychology major friends in college and have been independently studying psychology since middle school.
That having been said, I believe I have identified another tactic that narcissists use: THE DEATH MASK.
Now to be clear, I am not referring to the emotional blackmail that aging narcissists and non-narcissists employ to get their way.
This goes beyond lower levels of manipulation. The childlike "will you miss me if I went away?" pales in comparison to this tactic.
I've noticed in the past 10 years especially that both dementia and autism are being used as a blanket diagnosis to explain away behaviors and mindsets can altered and changed.
I would just like to point out that just because the origins and mechanics of a somatic (brain chemistry and tissue integral) based mental illness cannot be explained, doesn't mean that all behavior of said afflicted person is excusable.
I would also like to say that said afflicted person's behavior should be evaluated critically in such a way as to evaluate the validity of control or lack thereof in an objective manner.
For example: I currently rent a space from a man who some have stated is in the beginning stages of dementia.
This man has a history of abuse and criminal behavior. He has tried on several occasions to usurp my rights and overstep his bounds.
I have corrected him at every turn.
I notice that the behavior has ceased and/or been corrected.
Which leads me to believe that this man has a level of control over his behavior. He can understand the potential consequences of his actions. He is able to recognize those who will allow his inappropriate behavior and violation of boundaries and those that do not.
Of course, as an older man he forgets things, is hard of hearing, and has problems with his vision. But all in all he is very much capable of understanding who he can and cannot manipulate.
I believe it is important that we remain vigilant, especially in the unveiling of the saturation and evolution of narcissistic behavior in this evolving culture, in evaluating behavior and responses to boundaries and assertive practices.
This DEATH MASK can easily be snatched off. The DEATH MASK must be tested and dissolved whenever possible. Whether it be referring to physical death or mental death.
A man/woman with heart failure of who has suffered a stroke has no right to continue to abuse ANYONE.
And if they are using dementia as a crutch is IS NOT A PRACTICE OF RESPECT to overlook this behavior.
Abusers don't deserve a free pass to abuse unaddressed just because they are aging.
Y'all be safe out here in these narcissistic streets.
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