| Main Character Syndrome | Narrative Identity Theory |
|---|---|
| An informal pop culture description for people who see themselves as the protagonist of their own life story, often based on film cliches or idealized versions of themselves. | A formal psychological theory that people form an identity by integrating their life experiences into an evolving story of the self that provides them with a sense of purpose in life. |
I'm partial to the MCS description as opposed to the hoity-toity "formal" theory of NIT. But they can be connected.
In fact, Narrative Identity Theory is an aspect of Cultural Marxism (aka "woke"). The concept of cultural marxism claims that societal issues extend from the "more powerful" to exploit the "less powerful." So it's a perfect fit for MCS and NIT.
In marxism, there's this concept called "struggle sessions." Marxists might describe them as "self-critique meetings." Often, they use methods of public humiliation.
The current iteration of cultural marxists have opt'd to expand the implementation of struggle sessions into movies. This is where Narrative Identity Theory is utilized effectively. Create a plot and protagonist that appeals to the viewer to empower them and make them feel like there is something wrong with society for not allowing them to "self-actualize."
In a typical "woke hollywood" plot, the protagonist of the story must face and overcome challenges in order to grow and learn, leaving the audience in a state of suspense and wonder. In other words, our main characters are always in a state of struggle, always battling the world or themselves (superficially depicted as "growth"). What's interesting about this is that it inevitably gives some audience members a feeling that they are always embroiled in a big dramatic narrative where they are the focal point - the star of the show, if you will.
By the way, this article is not a direct critique "wokeness," per se. If the goal of "woke hollywood" is to raise awareness about societal inequities and promote collective societal improvement, that's their business. They think they need to do it. They have their axe to grind. It is what it is. It's beside the point.
The point is, all this promotes Main Character Syndrome, whether intentionally or unintentionally.
We might blame TicTok for MCS. But it's not the root cause. The root cause is the human heart. TicTok and all forms of social media just distill what's already there. Likewise, cultural marxism isn't even the root cause. It just organizes the proclivity.
The issue becomes particularly thorny when a person suffering from MCS gets into a conflict. They might perceive themselves as the innocent party wronged by a heartless villain who is out to get them. They rarely consider that they could, in fact, be the antagonist in someone else's story.
They might also put themselves in danger, thinking they have some form of "plot armor." A person with MCS often believes that they are always right, and no matter what they do, they will be justified. This can lead to strained relationships, as their portrayal of themselves often includes superiority over others.
The solution: Be Aware Of It
Being aware of MCS can help us check any tendencies to inflate our role in other people's lives, when our role would otherwise be minimal. Being aware that the other person might also imagine that they themselves are the main character will at least put things in perspective.
Also keep in mind that cultural marxists have something to say about all this, too. They recommend several fake virtue signals:
- Practice empathy: Empathy, the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, is key.
- Mindfulness: Mindfulness calls us to become aware of our feelings, thoughts, and how we respond to different situations.
- Active Listening: Take time to listen to the stories of others, understand their viewpoints, and respect their narratives as equally valid.
- Be open to change and criticisms: Always reflect on your actions and responses, and be willing to make changes or apologize if necessary.
From a prima-facie perspective of the above list, it sounds like wisdom. In fact, it just leads to a new iteration of the next struggle session.
Although, I bet a cultural marxist would characterize them as, fundamental elements of effective interpersonal communication and genuine human connection that transcend any ideological frames you want to impose on them. Or something.
This concept of struggle sessions has eminently shaded modern day society, seeping into every facet and influencing our ways of thinking. To spotlight this shift, let's break down the above virtue signals and understand how they give birth to a new struggle session, thus fueling the fire:
- Empathy: Encouraging a deep emotional connection with those around you propels the belief that your life is the stage and everyone else is just merely supporting characters. You feel for them, yes, but it's because of how it impacts you, leading you further into your narrative and further from reality.
- Mindfulness: This does not mean you become aware of how self-obsessed you are.
Rather, mindfulness in this context means focusing on your feelings, thoughts, and responses. This over-romanticization of self only nourishes your inner protagonist. - Active Listening: Instead of hearing other people’s stories and acknowledging their narratives, active listening elicits your relatability filter. Listening to someone else’s story becomes a plot device in your self-perceived narrative – you are the hero or victim, not them.
- Openness to Change and Criticisms: This seems like wisdom but instead, it can fuel narcissism when twisted under the guise of self-improvement and growth. The line between self-improvement and feeding the MCS can blur. Instead of genuinely reflecting on one's actions and behavior, it can lead one to use criticisms as plot devices and new chapters in their self-proclaimed heroic story.
So, how do we prevent tumbling further down this rabbit hole of self-obsession fueled by our marred perception? Turn off the narrative. It won't be easy, but as Charles Haddon Spurgeon said, "By perseverance the snail reached the ark." The journey of untangling and self-reflecting isn't going to be an overnight shift but a gradual process.
Instead of adapting to the ideologies embedded in virtue signals of humans, adopt a humble approach in life. Humility, the art of being modest and grounded, offers a more real and relatable perspective. We can see this described in scripture.
In Philippians 2:3 ESV, it is written, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." This clearly speaks against a mentality of self-obsession and places the emphasis on valuing others and their experiences over our own.
In Romans 12 verse 2, Paul teaches: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” The key instruction here is the transformation of the mind, a direct contrast to the ideal of Main Character Syndrome. The renewing of our minds involves shifting away from the focus on self to God’s grand narrative - The Whole Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The Whole Gospel of Jesus Christ, as explained by Paul, encapsulates not just the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, but also the immense impact it has on humanity. The Gospel is the narrative of God’s love and mercy towards humanity, demonstrating that we are not the central characters but players in God's larger story. It speaks to our humanness, our need for redemption, and the sacrificial love of God, who sent his only Son that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16).
This perspective is our weapon against things like cultural marxism and its tendencies. Living out this understanding of the Gospel, as Paul and Spurgeon advocate, not only challenges the "Main Character Syndrome" but truly transforms us. It combats the principalities and powers of this world, not through struggle sessions, virtue signals or hashtags, but through the power of Jesus Christ at work in us.
Spurgeon's illustration of the Gospel is diametrically opposed to the individualistic, self-focused narrative that cultural marxism promotes. Instead, it puts Jesus Christ at the center of our lives, transforming us from the inside-out. As Spurgeon famously said:
I question whether the defenses of the gospel are not sheer impertinences. The gospel does not need defending. If Jesus Christ is not alive and cannot fight His own battles, then Christianity is in a bad state. But He is alive, and we have only to preach His gospel in all its naked simplicity, and the power that goes with it will be the evidence of its divinity.