THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FAME AND FORTUNE – A Look Into what makes someone like Congressman Weiner Tick
Anonymity is the reason we may angrily cut someone off in traffic, scream and yell and swear. Road Rage.
But in person we quickly say, “Excuse me” if we accidentally bump into someone in the grocery store. Inside a car, we may feel less accountable for our behavior because we’re hidden. And so it seems the Internet may offer this anonymity that gives some people license to act in ways they would never do in “real life.” I knew a woman who regularly chatted online with unknown men, describing herself as young, beautiful, and single. She was actually a lonely middle-aged married woman who escaped her boring existence by acting out online.
Anonymity sometimes leads to a loosening of morals and values.
The much-publicized indiscretions of (the unfortunately named) Congressman Weiner – who resigned today – may be a perfect example of this behavior. I am not here to judge.
But here is my point. While his decision to seek treatment is admirable, it seems to release him of consequences. As an employee of the government, his admitted inappropriate behavior would be grounds for immediate termination if he worked in the private sector. The rich and famous go to rehab while the average citizen would be fired and dumped by his wife!
The psychology of fame and fortune teaches our children that if you have money and power, the rules do not apply to you. No wonder there is an epidemic of adolescents who aspire to be famous. A recent study showed teens had no desire to excel in any particular arena. They just wanted the fame.
There are so many recent examples of politicians, sports figures, and actors who have acted out against the rules of society. Antisocial behavior among the rich and famous gives them even more publicity, gossip and fame, as if to reward them for our entertainment. Our society needs to reevaluate our values, rules, and expectations.
We need new heroes and role models; normal men and women who live quiet lives of integrity, honesty, and charity. It’s why I’ve always loved ABC’s Friday evening broadcast of “The Person of the Week.” Simple stories of admirable men and women doing admirable deeds; not rich or famous.
LIFE GOES ON©
Kathleen Cairns, Psy.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist in private practice in West Hartford, Connecticut. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples. You may call her at 860-236-5555 to make an appointment. She is the author of “The Psychotherapy Workbook.” You may email her at kathleen.cairns@mac.com and she will try to answer as many of your questions as possible.
www.kathleencairns.com
Life goes on… and every day matters…
