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First of all, despite the Napoleon complex being a legitimate mental condition, it's also true that the chosen name of this condition is a misnomer. Napoleon was NOT actually a short man during his time. He was of average height!
But that aside, should some people be given somewhat of a behavioral pass, if they are truly at a disadvantage due to superficial physical 'detriments', that they have no control over? I'm talking about such disadvantages as being significantly shorter than most(men). Or being less than attractive(mostly women affected), or because of things that affect members of either sex, such as being uncontrollably obese, or uncontrollably thin, or superficially disadvantaged in some other way, ASIDE FROM actual handicaps.
I recall a guy who was a member of a local fraternity, who was significantly shorter than most men his age. Seemingly as a result, he compensated for it by having an overly 'aggressive personality', and being defensive and somewhat loud. I commented on it to a frat member, who justified it as a Napoleon complex.
Then there's successful hard rock & heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio. He died several years ago(RIP). He was very short at between 5'3" to 5'4". He always seemed courteous and respectful to fans. But he was supposedly tough to work with at times, according to some(although others didn't complain). But I'm guessing that he became naturally defensive and a little aggressive at times with some people, due to a lifetime of having men & women 'looking down on him' as a short man.
A lot of these complexes are attributable to insecurities that would be somewhat common to people who 'suffered' because of these types of superficial disadvantages. This wouldn't exist if people weren't superficial to begin with, and if we judged others by their character, not appearances!
IMO, there are cases where it's understandable for people in those situations to be a little more aggressive and forceful with their personalities, as long as it's not taken to an extreme. What's your view? Give us examples of people you know who fit this description.
But that aside, should some people be given somewhat of a behavioral pass, if they are truly at a disadvantage due to superficial physical 'detriments', that they have no control over? I'm talking about such disadvantages as being significantly shorter than most(men). Or being less than attractive(mostly women affected), or because of things that affect members of either sex, such as being uncontrollably obese, or uncontrollably thin, or superficially disadvantaged in some other way, ASIDE FROM actual handicaps.
I recall a guy who was a member of a local fraternity, who was significantly shorter than most men his age. Seemingly as a result, he compensated for it by having an overly 'aggressive personality', and being defensive and somewhat loud. I commented on it to a frat member, who justified it as a Napoleon complex.
Then there's successful hard rock & heavy metal singer Ronnie James Dio. He died several years ago(RIP). He was very short at between 5'3" to 5'4". He always seemed courteous and respectful to fans. But he was supposedly tough to work with at times, according to some(although others didn't complain). But I'm guessing that he became naturally defensive and a little aggressive at times with some people, due to a lifetime of having men & women 'looking down on him' as a short man.
A lot of these complexes are attributable to insecurities that would be somewhat common to people who 'suffered' because of these types of superficial disadvantages. This wouldn't exist if people weren't superficial to begin with, and if we judged others by their character, not appearances!
IMO, there are cases where it's understandable for people in those situations to be a little more aggressive and forceful with their personalities, as long as it's not taken to an extreme. What's your view? Give us examples of people you know who fit this description.
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