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Mirror, mirror on the wall, who's the fairest of them all? The evil queen in 'Snow White': The quintessential narcissist, the epitome of vanity. But how in our society does narcissism materialize? Where underneath those high cheekbones does vanity stem from?

 

Dr. Ramin Darvashula, a licensed clinical psychologist, states that "No matter how much we lift our noses at narcissism, paradoxically, we as a society praise it." In schools, academic prestige is almost worshiped, students want to and are encouraged to become the 'god '. In the  workforce, and even in day-to-day life, status and money are of utmost importance, all of which consequently festers and fosters narcissism. We claim to have shunned vanity and selfish ambition, yet it is nearly impossible to achieve the  success our society deems valid without being (or acting if you prefer that) narcissistic. As a wise man once sang "You measure wealth by the things you can hold."

 

Well, if you think that you're a fierce rebel fighting against societal norms, a non-conforming spirit who broke the chains! I'm sorry to tell you, we have been hit by (not a smooth criminal) but a suffocating wave of mass consumerism, and all of us are guilty.

 

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition and vanity; look out for the interests of others above your own-Philippians 2:3-4. Not only does narcissism greatly affect others, but according to Dr. Darvashula, it impacts your health even more (hopefully an effective warning for narcissists). Vain or narcissistic behaviour can cause depression, social anxiety, (although surprising) low self-esteem, hyper-sensitivity, anger management issues, etc. Narcissists and vain people are so held up with others' opinions of them; they nearly forget to think about their health! Because "you want to be held with highest regard it delights you so much if he's tryin' so hard." They scavenge for compliments as wild dogs would for meat! Whoops, Freudian slip, I wouldn't want to be caught underneath those acrylic claws.

 

 I must confess, I have empathy for the empty. The only reason people are vain is because they feel a deep, harrowing sense of longing, and fear of loss. I believe narcissists struggle through the most tormented and saddest existences: Where can one find fulfilment if you're too blind to see anything except your reflection?

 

If we can look beyond our lash extensions, we might see that the most treasured belongings rest in the hearts and souls of our fellow people.

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