Author: WhitePlainsDave
Date: 2015-03-09 21:07
Narcissism, for those of you for which it’s been a while since your last class in Psychology, is, simply put, a condition where people tend to value themselves, especially compared with others, at too high a level relative to the overall population.
This is by no means to say that self love is bad. In actuality, it’s not only essential for survival, but necessary to some degree so that we may be well enough to help others (as opposed to the narcissist, who looks down on them.)
Trying to keep this very brief, I am skipping theories on what causes narcissism or why it may be rising, although the experts suggest environment and genetic predisposition are to blame. Rather, I care to note that many mental health experts seem to believe it on the rise, and wish to discuss below some of the attributes often associated with those afflicted.
Narcissists tend to be materialistic, treating all things, including people, as objects. They also tend to be impatient, compulsive, materialistic, and in need of immediate self gratification for their efforts. They don’t take criticism well, and are known to lie to make themselves appear better than they are.
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With this said, it would seem to me, that if narcissism is truly on the rise, (and I hope for many reasons it is not) that clarinet (all instrument) play will suffer. Clarinet play is almost opposite, IMHO, to the traits that narcissists have and desire. It takes a lot of work to progress on clarinet and you can’t fake your way during auditions. The narcissist can switch teachers only so many times before fingers get pointed at the student being the limiting factor.
Still more, teachers aren’t respected (as they are human, and all other beings are not respected), and suggestions on improvement to play are seen as highly personal offending criticism. Lastly, you can’t buy your way to success, as fancy gear suffers quick limits to improvement in the early player.
Given this, I can’t help but conclude that if Narcissism is on the rise, the overall level of clarinet play will suffer. Of course we will still have our geniuses, if also less enthusiasts.
Rather than debating whether people are becoming more selfish, for simplicity, let’s try to assume they are (much as I hope they aren’t.)
What do YOU think such social changes will have on the world of clarinet play?
Much as I respect the right for these periodicals to exist, I do fear the first clarinet ad in GQ or Vogue magazines.
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The Clarinet BBoard
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