"An egotist is a person of low taste -- more interested in himself than in me...!"
When historian Ambrose Bierce said that, he had, oh, about 300 million Americans in mind. I mean, we all tend to think a lot about ourselves. Especially when we're presumptuous enough to write on the Web or on a Facebook wall. However, there are three guys who've turned self-centeredness into exquisite public affairs.
A man in Florida recently sued the manufacturer of his underwear for making "defective" garments. Albert Freed, 62, complained that during his Hawaii vacation, the fly flap was so poorly designed, it kept rubbing his genitalia "like sandpaper." When the judge asked why he hadn't noticed sooner, the 285-pound Freed said he couldn't see past his stomach, and he didn't want to ask his wife "because it might ruin her vacation."
Then there's ESPN baseball analyst Steve Phillips who was fired after admitting to an extra-marital affair. What gives an old tale a new twist is that the 22-year-old girlfriend has been harassing Phillips' wife with messages identifying the location of his birthmarks. He now reports he's entering rehab to "address his personal issues." When a reporter asked about the birthmarks, he was told "that's strictly personal."
Never a study in modesty, Reverend Jesse Jackson's ego was bruised lately when he was introduced by MSNBC anchor Contessa Brewer as the Reverend Al Sharpton. Jesse exploded on the air, snapping, "Get it straight. I'm Jesse Jackson."
What might invite study here is that none of these affairs of ego had anything to do with the complainants' jobs. On the other hand, some of the most effusive public egos have everything to do with their jobs. Their jobs are their egos, and their egos are their jobs. Current cases in point: Rush Limbaugh, Glenn Beck, Anne Coulter, and Keith Olbermann.
A few generations ago, modesty was considered the better part of valor. At least, that was the recommended role to play in public. What might call for study is at what point in 20th century social time did the rules change? Who changed them? And where was I when it happened....?
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Facebook, Ttwittering, blogs, cable, radio call in shows -- everything we do these days seems to be all about the almighty Me...
ReplyDeleteThe rules are always changing. Just when you've got one figured out, a new one takes its place. Crazy....!!
ReplyDeleteAs long as I can remember during my lifetime, American has always been Ego Inc.(especially for men who think they are entitled) It's a sad statement about our society, and not true for 100% of the population, but a large percentage. It is all about the almighty ME! And I'm afraid if we keep going in that direction, NO ONE will be helped!
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