Psychopathy
Psychopaths are observed and identified by their Behavior towards others. The primary factors is a lack of Empathy... and an apparent lack of "Conscience". It is thought that the underlying cause is Genetic... but it has also been observed that many Psychopaths (which are called Secondary Psychopaths) are a result of conditioning either through Trauma and/or group influence and pressure.
The Prognosis for Recovery or "Normalization" of the Psychopath is not very good. One of the main reasons for that is they don't see themselves as "Having a Problem". Why should they "Change"? In their twisted mind... it is perfectly normal in the grand scheme of things for them to be "Predator" and the rest of the world to be "Prey". And they have all the psychological tools to help them play out that scenario... with no guilt or remorse for their cruelty... and even pleasure from the suffering of their victims and victimized individuals in general.
In considering "Types of Psychopaths"... We need to also be aware of the "Degrees of Psychopathy" both in Individuals and in the Group. And while a Groups Psychopathic Behavior may not directly be defined as that of the Individual... the "Source" of the behavior is the same... being Lack of Empathy, Cruelty and lack of Conscience toward the Individual and Society in general. Psychopathic Groups are composed of primarily Psychopathic Individuals... to the extent that the Psychopaths are more or less "in charge". When considering both Individual and Group Psychopathy... It is critical that We note the Paradigm or "Pool" in which the Psychopath Swims. And we must ask ourselves, "To what extent does this factor play in the development and actualization of the Psychopathic Personality"? Furthermore, we must ask ourselves, "To what extent are the Social Structures and Institutions 'In Themselves' Psychopathic"? What is it in Society that encourages True Growth and Self Actualization... and what is it that encourages Psychopathy? In the last century, we have seen an increase in Individual and Group Psychopathic Behavior in the United States... particularly in the last few decades. Most notably, this has been observed in the Political, Corporate and Radical Religious sectors. Also, there has been a most noticeable increase in the "Interaction" between these sectors... especially in Politics. The 2008 Financial Meltdown was a prime example of Psychopathic Behavior in the Financial Sector (Wall Street)... combined with the complicit actions and reactions of Congress. While "The People" were overwhelmingly in support of Wall Street Accountability and Main Street assistance... Congress did just the opposite. To this day, not one Wall Street Manager or CEO has been held accountable for their Greedy and Malevolent Behavior. Nor has Main Street been helped in any meaningful way. "Jobs" seem to be on the bottom of the list of the priorities in Washington. The behavior of the Individual Psychopath in interpersonal interactions is cruel... but the collective behavior of Professional Psychopaths in Government and Business is destructive to Humanity and Society on a Grand Scale. To think of it any other way... would be a mistake... and only serve to excuse their behavior. And when you consider that Radical Religion has played a major part in Political and Business thinking for centuries... and in its own right has been the cause of enormous death and misery since becoming a social force over a millennium ago... it too has to be interpreted as a basis of Psychopathic Evolution of Individuals and Social Institutions throughout civilized social history. Psychopathy is one of those human conditions that begs the question, "Do some People NOT have a Soul?". Indeed, does the Soul actually exist in "anyone"?... or is it just another figment of our collective imaginations... a convenient notion that helps us deal with Life and Death... and the "Hereafter". And what about "Evil"? Does Evil actually exist... and if so, to what part and extent does it play in the Psychopathic Personality? I personally don't believe in "Essential Evil"... and I think far too often in the past (both in Religion and Academics) we have opted for the "Devil Made Them do It" course of thinking. Of course, this only creates barriers to getting at the Real Truth of the matter. The Soul though... or "Energy Being"... that is both part of us and separate is entirely another matter. I think to discount the Soul in our attempt to understand the Psychopathic Individual would be a grave mistake. Also, I do not buy into the argument that the Psychopath does not have a Soul. I think everyone has a Soul... and it can't be "Lost" no matter what we do. People though assuredly can become "Lost"... and lose the relationship "with their soul". still, it is a matter of opinion... and all sides of the issue need to be continually considered and reconsided. Many people who are reading this Article may think that I am "taking it a little too far" in referring to Egotism, Indifference, Greed and Incompetence in organizations in terms of Psychopathy. Obviously, the Psychopathic Individual and Organization would think so! And most probably the "Average Joe" would think so also... as a result of mass conditioning throughout their lives. But for those People who have a more evolved Conscience and capacity for Compassion and Empathy... perhaps it is time that a new Standard of Organizational Behavior be adopted. One that measures people's behavior on a more Natural and Holistically Healthy Paradigm. Perhaps it is time we also start thinking of Individual Pathology in terms of Social Pathology. And perhaps it is far past time that we ask ourselves some hard questions as to "How" these monsters manage to not only infiltrate intrinsic social organizations... but become powerful "Leaders" in our Political, Corporate, Religious and Educational Systems??? For a Better Informed & Involved Public...
Lonnie J. Burris Activist & Concerned Citizen
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