Narcissistic Sociopaths in High Places

There is a term that describes certain kinds of individuals who are very successful in the world, have many admirers if not adorers, have access to social/business connections we might all envy whom I call bloodless sociopaths. I use this term because they are without conscience, completely lack empathy, are among the cruelest and sadistic human beings but literally don't draw blood. They commit numerous crimes throughout their lives and don't get caught. That's how well they have mastered their act. Often they have a high intelligence quotient and have achieved superlative marks throughout their schooling. From the time they are very young these sociopaths know that they are superior to everyone, including their parents, that there isn't anything they can't do or have. The world and people in it exist to be manipulated by them.

With the narcissistic style taking over much of our world today and becoming fully acceptable---self absorption, obsession with appearance, being in the A list social circles, coldness and disdain for those outside of this magic bubble---it becomes easier for the sociopath to move in and out of business and social circles undetected as a dreadful human being. We have narcissistic sociopaths who run some of our prestigious corporations. We have some members of the branches of government who fit this definition. When you look at some of the dirty deal making that takes place, the rip-offs of those who are without power or money, and the pure greed involved you find that many in the corporate, entrepreneurial, entertainment, media and government that fit this definition. No one wants to talk about sociopaths in high places. Most people have a problem believing that a person with such prestige and power who is given the highest respect and deference and even lionized could be so predatory.

Their family members may not be aware of their levels of criminality. They have become so deluded and accustomed to leading privileged lives that they close their eyes to anything that disrupts the perfect insular world they have created. There are plenty of spouses and children of narcissistic sociopaths who will tell you horror stories about their private lives. Family members describe themselves as prisoners, unable to make their own decisions, forced  to follow their parent(s) commands to the letter. They view ugly violent scenes between their parents that are re-enacted frequently and put them in a chronic state of anxiety and apprehension. Spouses who willfully stay married to these reprehensible individuals put the lives of their children in psychological and emotional jeopardy. If you are the spouse of one of these individuals and finally recognize all of the damage that has been done, wake up and prepare to sever these pathological relationships if not for yourself for your children.

Narcissism and sociopathy in its bloodless form are becoming more acceptable in the society at large. You don't notice many high level narcissists doing perp walks or losing court cases when they are clearly guilty or going out of business because they have been defrauding their business partners and clients for years.

To protect yourself, study the narcissistic personality disorder and the narcissistic sociopath so that you recognize them quickly and know exactly how they operate. Visit my website: thenarcissistinyourlife.com 

Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Buy the book: amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, numerous online bookstores
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com

Narcissistic Sociopaths-Preying on the Most Vulnerable

Narcissistic sociopaths have no respect for anyone. They feel entitled to do whatever they want to those whom they choose. For them people are disposable objects, nonpersons, who can easily be discarded. Often highly educated and intellectually bright, and acutely cunning, they convince most people that they are of fine character. With the highest academic and professional credentials they move on the fast track to the highest levels of success in their fields. Narcissistic sociopaths are "gifted" at presenting themselves as persons of integrity who can be trusted and are above reproach. They appear,even to those who know them very well, to be dedicated to their families.

If they are in positions of the highest power in corporations, the government, international business, etc. they are surrounded by people who work for them and worship them simultaneously. This is their charmed circle of true believers who will defend them at all costs.

When no one is watching the narcissistic sociopath adroitly takes a 180 degree turn and acts out on his primitive impulses. He is a dual personality. These individuals cause harm to those who are most vulnerable--often women in particular who are without formal education, family or financial security. Many of them are single mothers who must support their minor children. This entire burden is up to them since many of them have been abused and then abandoned by their spouses or boyfriends. Women in these vulnerable positions are legion. They are the silent, uncounted, often forgotten victims in our society. Most people don't think about them. There are narcissistic sociopaths who routinely victimize women in this category. Very often they get away with various levels of sexual assault, going the full range from inappropriate touching, to forcible acts that are serious felonies. The victim is often too traumatized and terrorized to defend herself.

The perpetrator, surrounded by the worldly powerful and those with great financial means, make sure that nothing untoward will happen to someone who has committed these horrendous felonious acts.  It is essential that the legal system be followed to protect the rights of the accused and at the same time, treat the victim with fairness and understanding.

Narcissistic sociopaths (predominantly male although there are some females who fit this category) must be identified---regardless of their power in the world, their professional reputations, their global connections, their wealth, their elaborately layered personas---and treated like any other human being. If men like these are guilty they must be prosecuted and taken out of society to protect those whom they have victimized and prospective victims. Often these men have perpetrated these kinds of crimes hundred of times and gotten away with it.

There are no excuses for these perverse, destructive behaviors. No one is entitled to victimize another person. Don't every be impressed with a person's professional accomplishments, their titles, their power and reach in the world.

Educate yourself about every facet of the narcissistic personality disorder and narcissistic sociopaths. The better informed we all are and the demands we must make to ensure respect for and security to the most vulnerable among us, the more advanced our consciousness and the deeper our empathy for each unique individual. Visit my website:thenarcissistinyourlife.com
Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Buy the book: amazon.com and amazon kindle edition
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com

High Society Narcissistic Sociopaths Get a Huge Pass

I am not surprised very often about the pervasive acceptance of pathological narcissism and sociopathy in our current society. In some high social circles those who live uber opulent lifestyles in the rarefied air of super wealth and power get a huge pass even in the area of serious crime. The attitude among many (not all) at the highest levels of power is to ignore the dark deeds perpetrated by those that are admired for their super wealth and impeccable social and business connections. A recent article by Alexandra Wolfe, a former contributing editor to Conde Nast Portfolio, the author wrote about an elite party given in New York, celebrating the return back into high society by a billion dollar pedophile who had completed a 13-month sentence for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Recently this perpetrator had settled numerous civil suits brought by 40 victims who surfaced as a result of an FBI investigation. Was this man shunned? Was he upbraided by his social circle? No. Quite the contrary. He gave himself a high scale party and invited some of America's media and entertainment figures. Three public statements were made in opposition to this perpetrator kid gloves treatment for serious crimes: Aeropostale director John Howard: "What I see here is if you have big money or are famous then you get a pass."  Lorna Brett Howard, wife of Irving Post Capital CEO: " In the Midwest, where I am from he would be a social pariah.  David Patrick Columbia, founder of New York Social Diary: " A jail sentence doesn't matter anymore. The only thing that gets you shunned in New York society is poverty."

This is the attitude that some americans (many americans do not)  have about those who lead the headiest lifestyles and have the greatest access to the highest levels of financial power even after they have committed horrendous crimes. They have served the time given to them. But to receive these predators with open arms and celebration---greeting them back into the fold. What kind of values are these? 

I hear from victimized women and men of narcissistic sociopaths frequently. He or she has run off with all of the assets. They are left flat broke financially and broken emotionally and psychologically. Everyone must and recognize that pathological narcissism and narcissistic traits and even sociopathy in some instances are now widely accepted in our society as a method and sure way to ultimate success. Ruthless competition that destroys the lives of others is no longer a consideration. Winning the race is all that matters.

God help those who are poor. Some people look upon them as the new criminal. The society is so externalized that for some if you are very attractive and wealthy and have high connections you can get away with a hell of a lot----much more than your poorer brothers and sisters who have become non-entities. We must fight these toxic trends. Look upon each person from the inside---what kind of character do they have? Are they moral? Are they empathic and kind? Are they honestly doing their best? We must bring mercy and deep caring about the welfare of others back into the vocabulary and daily thoughts and actions of our lives.

I hear from those who have been through hell with narcissists, sociopathic narcissists and sociopaths. They know exactly what can happen when you allow them to rule your lives. Those who have survived have rebuilt their lives, become strong on every level, re-discovered their unique gifts, found friends and partners who share their humanity. We applaud and celebrate their lives. Stay fully awake, trust your intuition that always speaks wisdom. Listen to that voice that guides all of your days. Visit my website: www.thenarcissistinyourlife.com
Linda Martinez-Lewi, Ph.D.
Telephone Consultation: United States and International
Book: Freeing Yourself from the Narcissist in Your Life
Buy the book: amazon.com and amazon kindle edition
Email: lmlphd@thenarcissistinyourlife.com