ABSTRACT
Currently the United States is tenaciously in the destructive grip of a cultural complex ruled by the archetypal dynamics of domination. The consequence of this defensive rigidity, rooted in a pattern of alpha narcissism, is that both individually and culturally the citizens of the United States are entangled in the active participation of and the subjection to victorious provocations punctuated by consistent attacks on “American democracy” as rooted in truth, justice, and informed delegation. At this point, Americans, across the entire country, are consistently thrown into chaos and imbalance, dismay and distress, as well as fear and trembling. The dynamics of psyche that are at play in this pattern of domination can be seen through an analysis of the archetypal forces that are at work in these dynamics, particularly in the interactions between identifiably different forms of narcissism. Bringing these different forms into view allows us to question how the currently intense expressions of alpha narcissism may propel us toward destruction or toward a renewed pattern of balance and wholeness or even a creative transformation. But how do Americans face and work with this challenging reality? In order to approach this question, the author suggests that an increased understanding of clinical perspectives about individual character structures and complexes can be woven into an understanding of cultural character structures and complexes and thus may strengthen the capacity to navigate these dynamic times.
