有聊: Why Modern Characters Are So Bad: Narcissism vs. True Strength

Uncover why modern characters often feel unlikable! This summary explores the crisis in portrayals of strength in media, arguing that writers and influencers increasingly promote "counterfeit strength" – narcissism disguised as empowerment. The analysis examines the shift from genuine strength, defined by endurance, integrity, and self-mastery, to characters celebrated for identity alone.

Quick Takeaways:

Modern characters are frequently written as idealized, often unpleasant, versions of the writers themselves.
There's a decline in positive masculine role models and a misinterpretation of genuine strength.
Many writers are exposed to a "counterfeit strength," mistaking loudness and arrogance for confidence.
Writers prioritize "important" characters (representing demographics) over building actually strong ones, hiding flaws.
Narcissism is rewarded, with weakness portrayed as strength, trauma labelled empowerment.
A possible cause are kids who lacked popularity in high school compensate for past trauma in writing characters.

The summary further explores how this trend affects audiences, especially young ones, and examines classic examples showcasing true strength. The summary concludes by defining what real strength looks like.

The Decline of Likable Characters and Genuine Strength in Modern Media

This article explores the perceived decline in likable characters and the misrepresentation of strength in modern entertainment, particularly in gaming and Western media. It argues that many contemporary characters are unlikable because they are written by individuals who project idealized, and often flawed, versions of themselves onto their creations.

The Problem: Unlikable Characters and Counterfeit Strength

Many modern characters, especially in American games, are perceived as unlikable.
This is attributed to the writers creating idealized, but flawed, versions of themselves.
There's a concern about the diminishing perception of genuine strength, both in media and among influencers. This decline shapes the very definition of strength.
A lack of positive masculine role models further exacerbates the issue, as masculinity is often either dismissed as basic decency or portrayed negatively.

The Counterfeit Strength Phenomenon

Perceptual Expertise: The article draws a parallel to "perceptual expertise," where individuals constantly exposed to genuine articles (e.g., currency) develop an intuitive sense for detecting counterfeits.
Modern writers and influencers are often more exposed to "counterfeit strength" than genuine strength, leading them to misinterpret true strength as weakness. This is becoming normalized.
This counterfeit strength resonates with a younger audience searching for role models in figures like Andrew Tate and Sneako, who may promote superficial displays of power and material success.
Genuine strength, historically, involves endurance, integrity under pressure, moral and emotional resilience, and self-mastery, rather than control over others. Stoicism is presented as a positive approach.

The Impact of Poorly Written Characters

Many characters are written as immature, unpleasant individuals who believe they are always right, creating stories that lack depth and resonance.
Genuine strength used to be portrayed with a cost, leaving characters humbled and scarred. Now, the emphasis is often on superficial displays of power.
Modern characters are often presented as strong simply because the script dictates it, demanding respect rather than earning it through growth and vulnerability. This leads to self-worship and a lack of relatability.

The Rise of Identity as a Shield

Identity is increasingly used as a shield, where writers create characters with "important" identities, but without genuine strength or depth.
Stories focusing on divisive or niche social struggles may fail to resonate with a broader audience.
Real representation involves giving characters the same depth, struggle, and growth as any other, not making them untouchable or narcissistic.
Characters are often praised for what they represent, not who they are, leading to shallow and disrespectful portrayals.

The Root of the Problem: Unhealed Trauma and Misguided Perceptions

Counterfeit strength can be attractive to those who have only been exposed to it, often stemming from fatherless homes or abusive experiences.
Loudness is mistaken for confidence, control for leadership, and arrogance for self-assurance.
Characters who steamroll over others and demand admiration may appeal to individuals who haven't witnessed genuine strength.
The danger lies in celebrating unhealed wounds as empowerment, leading to a culture that settles for dysfunction instead of striving for wholeness.

Societal Impact and the Erosion of Virtue

Confusing narcissism for strength warps expectations and fosters performance over genuine growth.
Social media exacerbates this issue, as individuals prioritize being liked over building character.
The fear of being disliked stems from unresolved trauma and a desire to compensate for past insecurities.
Vulnerability and empathy are wrongly perceived as weaknesses. Real strength is found in silence, trial, and self-mastery.

Defining Real Strength and Sacrifice

Real strength is not perfection or dominance, but the courage to endure, the humility to grow, the grace to forgive, and the wisdom to wait. It is found in sacrifice, not applause.
Examples of genuine strength include Nelson Mandela's reconciliation after imprisonment, Corrie ten Boom's forgiveness after the Holocaust, and Martin Luther King Jr.'s peaceful resistance against injustice.
Sacrifice involves laying down one's comfort, ego, vengeance, and even life for something greater.

The Importance of Self-Awareness

It's possible to write good stories even with unresolved trauma, but requires conscious awareness to avoid "trauma dumping" or trying to compensate for personal deficiencies.
Role models are imperfect, and focusing on their mistakes can lead to resentment.
Real strength involves the ability to affect change and the conscious decision to do the right thing.

Conclusion

There's a concerning decline in the portrayal of genuine strength, often replaced by superficial displays and identity-driven narratives. It is crucial to relearn what strength truly is: not the power to dominate, but the courage to endure, the humility to grow, and the grace to forgive. We must celebrate real strength, not the counterfeits, to avoid warping our expectations and settling for a culture of narcissism.