[TheMercenary]

I see today’s parents, and parents of the 90s as significantly contributing to the ME generation attitude. Here is an example: we had our kids involved in sports from the time they could participate, say around 5 or 6. Three kids, lots of sports. Everybody gets a feel good trophy, everybody gets the ole pat on the head, no first place, no second place, etc. They have taken out the idea that kids can and do fail that things they compete in. It continues all the way till they at least reach the 9th grade. Everybody has to feel good. It has had two effects, one that kids are absolutely devastated when they actually do fail, or that the parents, and I do mean the parents, become so obsessed with the fact that their kids have to be recognized for their achievements that they go bonkers when the kid just does not make the cut. We have created a generation of monsters. Parents are out of control. Refs and coaches are verbally and in some cases physically attacked at sporting events. Kids need to learn that not everyone gets to be first, not everyone gets the trophy, not everyone is going to be the best at that one event. They need to develop coping mechanisms to deal with the disappointment that goes along with loss and failure. No wonder we have a nation of people depending on anti-depressants.

Back closer to the subject of the thread, many traits that are considered to be narcissistic are also trait of strong personalities, it is when they are carried to extreme that they become a problem.