Collective Narcissism, An Ever-expanding Virus

Collective narcissism has turned into a virus. It can be defined as such as it is bad, contagious and spreads easily. Although it may seem otherwise, the search for the exaltation of one’s group at the expense of others is a dynamic that has been present throughout the ages, varying in intensity and reaching its maximums in certain certain historical periods, such as Nazi Germany.

This phenomenon expresses a certain nostalgia for the concept of “superior race”. Of course, it does not only develop at the level of races, but affects any group that shares a common element of identity. We can speak of nations, as well as of sports groups or professions.

The phenomenon manifests itself in a very visible way in the world of football. Collective narcissism leads some fans not to be able to accept the victories of the opposing teams. It also leads them to exhibit their power with extreme chants, noises or gestures with which they want to intimidate.

The same happens with states and nationalist sentiments. There are people who get angry if others don’t like their country. They tolerate no criticism of their nation and long for their homeland to be admired by all and considered the best in all circumstances.

It is normal to feel proud for the country where you were born and raised, or for the group you belong to. However, when this trend takes on other dimensions, it is no longer a healthy feeling. Sooner or later, in fact, there is the risk of leading to intolerance or violence.

From group pride to collective narcissism

What is the difference between national or group pride and collective narcissism? The purpose of people with the collective narcissism virus is not to feel proud of their group, but to show that it is superior to others. In the background there is a sense of insecurity that pushes them to want to reaffirm themselves by comparing themselves to others.

Any human feelings, attitudes or behaviors that are led to exaggeration are likely to conceal a symptom of neurosis. Narcissism is no exception. When built on an individual level, it characterizes people who like to flaunt and display an image of security that doesn’t really belong to them.

The same happens for groups. Collective narcissism is more likely to flourish in groups that share low self-esteem and strong doubts about their own prestige. Consequently, they yearn for recognition from others. But that’s not all: they also seek the defeat of others on different levels.

A study carried out at the University of Warsaw (Poland) revealed that groups affected by collective narcissism are generally composed of individuals with strong feelings of personal insufficiency. The group thus becomes a method to compensate for the perception of emptiness inside and around oneself.

The manipulation of narcissistic groups

Normally an authoritarian and, in more than one case, totalitarian leader is elected within groups characterized by collective narcissism. Feeling guided by a person who shows himself invulnerable and incredibly strong in all cases, gives confidence to his followers. Leaders make the most of these premises by vehemently extolling the alleged superiority of their group.

The subject was studied at the University of London and it was concluded that these groups tend to give rise to conspiracy theories against the very leaders themselves. A common enemy can become the piece that allows you to consolidate uniformity and unity within the collective. Narcissism leads people to feel watched, envied, and potentially at risk of attack by others.

These groups are slowly heading towards the path of revenge and aggression. Committing violent acts against non-members of your group is viewed positively, especially if the aggression is directed towards a possible enemy, a conspirator or an ally of them. The same goes for revenge, which goes from being an irrational and harmful reaction to a legitimate right, validated by the apparent need to defend oneself.

Conversely, groups with a healthy sense of collective pride generate constructive effects. In these cases we work to build greater cohesion and mutual trust. A union that in order to consolidate does not need to denigrate others or to overlook those who are different. If reasonable pride is the very foundation of democracy, collective narcissism is the basis of fascism and its methods of imposition and control.

Images courtesy of Catrin Welz Stein