Camera's Rolling & It's Out of Control

"Embracing the concept of something greater may involve a specific experience of God; it may or may not include an attachment to a religious community or faith. It can involve a simple awareness  that the world does not revolve around you. The basic element is Faith: Faith that the sun will come out in the morning, that the laws of physics will continue to function as we have always known them, and, most important for the narcissist, that people can be trusted, and that the world can be a good and safe place." (~Dr. Drew pg241)

Recently I finished Dr. Drew Pinsky's book, The Mirror Effect. For many of you who know the celebrity doctor, he's quickly become a rational voice among the addictive and outrageous behaviors of Hollywood stars. He's not Dr. Phil, with his own sensational antics of advice~ instead he addresses the needs of the desperate stars who are about to break. After years of treating patients, hosting VH1's Celebrity Rehab, Sober House, radio programming - Lovelines and a host of other public psychological advice, I find that Dr. Drew has a lot to bring to the table.

The Mirror Effect is an important book on the how society progresses toward celebrity status as well as how the public both feeds it, and feeds off of it. The book is an in depth discussion on how narcissistic behaviors take over a person and ultimately can destroy them. Pinsky even points out in the changes that have happened in media over the last 50 years and how the addictive behaviors of our celebrity idols become more noticed, sought out and even worse than they have been before.

At the end of the read, Pinsky offers the 40 question NPI test for readers to evaluate their behavior. Granted, he notes that it's not a complete determinant if someone is a narcissist, but it can be an indicator. Throughout the read; he talks about the percentages of average americans compared to celebrities and particularly reality stars. He recommends counseling for further diagnosis and even talks about the unfortunate message that is being handed to teenagers today.

As to the quote above: I found it profound that it was included in Pinsky's final comments. The fact remains that each person MUST realize that no one has any more entitlement than another to exist and function in the world. It does take a special kind of trust and faith to step out in humility and be able to embrace those around you, to exalt them above yourself and ultimately allow who you truly are to shine. Celebrities don't have it all, their failures are not a justification for our society to fail and become grotesque. They are people with wounds and faults like everyone else...being in the spotlight only makes life harder, not easier. In the end: the Mirror Effect ought not to be a disdainful reflection, but a balance of support and growth from the inside out.

The book itself is worth reading, informational, and can even be educational. I would definitely recommend it.