ABSTRACT
A tale that seems to be as old as humanity itself, one with a moral warning for all: the tale of Narcissus. Early versions by Conon and Ovid speak of a beautiful young man who was very much aware of his exceptional appearance. As a result of his egoism, Narcissus left behind a trail of broken hearts. At some point, via a jilted lover, he is cursed to love only himself for all eternity. Children are growing up in a mediated world. The influences from peers and the media help shape the child and help to define one's sense of self. Under these newer patterns the peer group becomes much more important to the child, while the parents make him feel guilty not so much about violation of inner standards as about failure to be popular or otherwise to manage his relations with these other children.
