ABSTRACT
This chapter explores some facets of identity that emerge from the social environment, and describes their importance in the process of building an identity. The Nazi society seems an extreme example of Hopper’s ideas. Arrangements that were horrific and malignant appeared natural and reasonable to the Nazis. Racism seemed sensible and logical. Genocide seemed not only morally unquestionable, but even necessary. Socio-centric cultural narcissism hinges on the love for those who resemble and think like oneself. As ideology becomes more dominating, people’s tendency to see themselves as part of a society that is run on values and principles of justice grows too. The settlers of Israel’s Occupied Territories, by contrast, are an example of a society that has strong faith and principles. In their community, ideology is strong and unifying—social narcissism outdoes its personal counterpart and, correspondingly, people show a great readiness to make sacrifices.
