The Narcissism Epidemic, by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D. and W. Keith Campbell, Ph.D.

Overview of Book

The Diagnosis of Narcissism: We have confused narcissism and self-esteem Those with high self-esteem value relationships with others Narcissists only value themselves, not others American culture is becoming more focused on self-admiration Narcissism is counter to success: Narcissists cannot take criticism or learn from mistakes They lack motivation to improve because they believe they are already on top They are over-confident, therefore there is no need to prepare Narcissists do better at individual activities than group activities

The Causes of Narcissism: Parenting Media and the idea of celebrity The Internet –  Facebook and Blogs Having your own blog, Facebook page etc. reinforces narcissism On Facebook, individual can redesign and promote themselves Addictive Can post private thoughts and moments Internet’s reach is wide ranging Easy credit – I deserve the best

The Symptoms of Narcissism Vanity Attractive physical appearance promoted by media and television Materialism Uniqueness Trend toward unique names for children Antisocial Behavior Fights broadcast on You Tube Mass killings considered way to achieve fame Poor manners many times are the norm – feel no need to be nice to others Disregard for grammar and spelling         Relationship Troubles Entitlement Other people’s needs are not as important as yours Religion and Volunteering Religion - change in focus Volunteering - mandatory in many high schools, improve college application, "I want to make a difference."

The Treatment of Narcissism: Parenting – Say no Don’t give children too much power over family decisions Examine messages about competition – let kids fail sometimes Don’t buy clothing and other items that announce how great your child is Teach child empathy and compassion Media and the quest for celebrity Screen shows and don’t allow those that promote narcissism Anti-social behavior Do not “reward” antisocial behavior with attention via the media Recognize honor and integrity Consciously  work on qualities of humility, mindfulness, compassion and connectedness Change core values

For discussion:

1. Do you agree with the authors’ assessment of narcissism as a disease in America?
1. What is the difference between narcissism and positive self-esteem?

2. Do you think Mr. Rogers promoted narcissism with the idea that “You are special?
1. How does this relate to the statement by Margaret Mead, "Always remember that you are absolutely unique.  Just like everyone else."

3. What television shows currently promote the “disease” of narcissism?
1. What examples of well-rounded, emotionally positive people are there in the media?

4. How have the media and television promoted the idea that we all should look young, beautiful and perfect?
1. How does this relate to the trend in obituary photographs that show the deceased as a much younger person?

5. What examples have you encountered of narcissistic behavior?

6. Discuss religion’s and volunteerism’s role in narcissism, both the symptoms and treatment.

7. Is there a way that we all are narcissistic?

8. In the last chapter the author’s recommend that we change America’s core values.  What do you think are our current core values?  Should they be changed?  How could this be accomplished?

Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen

Characters etc.:

Berglunds

            Walter

            Patty - parents Joyce and Ray, sister Abigail

            Jessica

            Joey

            Dorothy – Walter’s mother

Richard Katz

Monaghans

            Carol

            Connie - eventually married to Joey Berglund

            Blake

Eliza - Patty's college roommate - lied and said she had leukemia

Lalitha - Walter's assistant

Jonathan - Joey's college roommate, sister Jenna

House on Nameless Lake

Linda Hoffbauer - lived in Canterbridge Estates Lake, cat Bobby

Cerulean Mountain Trust

            Van Halen

            Carol Zorn – campaigned against Cerulean Mountain Trust

Forster Hollow

            Cole Mathis – lived in Forster Hollow

Mistakes Were Made - Patty's autobiography

For discussion:

1. Discuss Patty's childhood.  How did that influence her adult life? 

2. Discuss Walter’s childhood and how it influenced his adult life.

3. Discuss Richard and Walter’s friendship.  Franzen wrote, “Intellectually Walter was definitely the big brother and Richard was his follower.”  Also, “He (Walter) could never shake the feeling that Richard was hiding stuff from him; that there was a dark side of him always going off in the night to pursue motives he wouldn’t admit to, that he was happy to be friends with Walter as long as it was understood that he was the top dog.”  (page 135, hardback)

4. Discuss the relationships among Walter, Richard and Patty.  Consider each pair – Richard and Walter, Richard and Patty.   How did the relationships evolve over the years?

5. Discuss Richard and his reaction to success. 

6. Discuss the family dynamics in the Berglund family?  Was the discord inevitable?

7. The neighbors, particularly Seth and Merrie Paulson were surprised at how unaware Patty was of what was happening with Joey and Connie.  At one point Seth stated, “I think it’s a mistake to take pleasure in a fellow parent’s ignorance.  It’s tempting fate, don’t you think?”  (page 13, hardback)  Do you agree with this statement?  Can you relate to it?

8. Did you like the background of current politics in the novel?  Did it add to your enjoyment of the novel?

9. Discuss Connie and Joey's relationship.

10. How would you explain Patty’s college roommate, Eliza?  Why did she lie and say she had leukemia?  Do you think Patty really wanted to know the truth?

11. Do you think the Cerulean Mountain Trust was justified in all that it did in order to save one bird from becoming extinct?

12. What parts of this novel do you think represented real life?  Did the author address any issues or life situations that future generations will identify with?  Explain.

13. Do you think this novel will become one of our modern day “classics?”  Why or why not?

14. What is the significance of the title "Freedom?"  What statement is the author making?

15. Who was your favorite character?  Favorite scene in the book?