SouthernListen
05-12-2012, 01:17 PM
Stern is a unique fellow. I know he plays analyst to his guests all the time, but has anyone ever really looked at his personality?
Here's a list of characteristics of a sociopath. He meets most of them.
Glibness and Superficial Charm CHECK
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims. CHECK
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right." CHECK
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests. CHECK
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. CHECK
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises. CHECK
Incapacity for Love CHECK
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common. NO
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. CHECK
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. CHECK
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc. PARTIALLY TRUE
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed. CHECK
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts. PARTIALLY TRUE (mitigated by need for security of a relationship. Were he good looking, he'd never settle down)
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively. PARTIALLY TRUE (good work ethic till recently)
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily. CHECK
Other Related Qualities:
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them CHECK
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them (NO, at least superficially to radio audience)
Authoritarian CHECK
Secretive CHECK
Paranoid CHECK
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired CHECK
Conventional appearance PARTIALLY TRUE (unconventional now, but this may be due to showbiz career, as he was convential early on)
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s) CHECK (at least w/ employees)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life CHECK (at least w/ employees)
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love) CHECK
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim CHECK
Incapable of real human attachment to another CHECK
Unable to feel remorse or guilt CHECK
Extreme narcissism and grandiose CHECK
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world CHECK
Here's a list of characteristics of a sociopath. He meets most of them.
Glibness and Superficial Charm CHECK
Manipulative and Conning
They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims. CHECK
Grandiose Sense of Self
Feels entitled to certain things as "their right." CHECK
Pathological Lying
Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests. CHECK
Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way. CHECK
Shallow Emotions
When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises. CHECK
Incapacity for Love CHECK
Need for Stimulation
Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common. NO
Callousness/Lack of Empathy
Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. CHECK
Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others. CHECK
Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc. PARTIALLY TRUE
Irresponsibility/Unreliability
Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed. CHECK
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts. PARTIALLY TRUE (mitigated by need for security of a relationship. Were he good looking, he'd never settle down)
Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively. PARTIALLY TRUE (good work ethic till recently)
Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily. CHECK
Other Related Qualities:
Contemptuous of those who seek to understand them CHECK
Does not perceive that anything is wrong with them (NO, at least superficially to radio audience)
Authoritarian CHECK
Secretive CHECK
Paranoid CHECK
Only rarely in difficulty with the law, but seeks out situations where their tyrannical behavior will be tolerated, condoned, or admired CHECK
Conventional appearance PARTIALLY TRUE (unconventional now, but this may be due to showbiz career, as he was convential early on)
Goal of enslavement of their victim(s) CHECK (at least w/ employees)
Exercises despotic control over every aspect of the victim's life CHECK (at least w/ employees)
Has an emotional need to justify their crimes and therefore needs their victim's affirmation (respect, gratitude and love) CHECK
Ultimate goal is the creation of a willing victim CHECK
Incapable of real human attachment to another CHECK
Unable to feel remorse or guilt CHECK
Extreme narcissism and grandiose CHECK
May state readily that their goal is to rule the world CHECK