The number of Narcissistic and Sociopathic Personalities has grown at an alarming rate in our society, and across the globe, in my opinion.

These controlling and manipulative personalities have always existed, but over the forty-two years I was in private practice as a Psychologist dealing with the victims of Narcissists and Sociopaths, I have seen an alarming increase in their numbers and I would imagine that this is in part due to 1] the change in parenting which has become more permissive and may have led to more kids with entitlement issues and a lack of self-discipline, 2] a lack of a spiritual and religious exposure which may have decreased a sense of a conscience and purpose to life, the issue of right versus wrong, good versus evil, a moral compass; 3] and a change in our educational system, which in more and more cases does not instill a sense of pride in Country and it’s history. We see some influential people condemning our Country for the mistakes it has made, instead of recognizing how much we have collectively learned through those mistakes. There is a Cancel Culture and Progressive Educational environment that seems to want to use blame, shame and guilt to re-shape how we think, feel and act.

It appears as if power and control over the citizens has become the goal for many a politician, and lying and gaslighting has become more the norm. Control and Manipulation are the tools of many a Narcissist, Sociopath and Psychopath. If we avoid this reality and take for granted the freedoms our Constitution provides, we may wake up one day and see they are gone. We have to realize that we must fight for them instead of take them for granted. We must be willing to challenge those who want power over us and realize their games, and call them out, respectfully, but with certainty. The world is changing, but we have to wake up and see the control and manipulation by many in Government , Mainstreet Media and Big tech who seem to have the idea that they know better than us what is good for us. Of course, in many cases they profit financially from their endeavors to blame, shame and guilt.

“White privilege” seems to be the mantra in some segments of our society, belying the reality that there is a more of an acceptance of different races, religions and sexual preferences than ever before. It takes time to accept change, but reality and time has a way of creating the atmosphere for positive change. Remember, we fought a war to end slavery, etc.

This is no time to be lazy and keep to yourself, because you will wake up one day to a very different world here in your own back yard. However, the danger is that fear holds us back from expressing our opinions. Don’t let fear rule your life. Avoidance of the issue gives it strength

Gene Benedetto, Psychologist/Emeritus