There is no question the actions of the left – and even some moderates/independents – come very close to the definition of a Messiah Complex.
Most often this complex is associated with religion, and while religious delusions do occur, postmodernist progressivism fits the definition of a religion like a glove. If you logically consider it, conservativism and capitalism is adjacent to several major religions, primarily Judeo-Christian religions, and while progressives yelp about the separation of church and state, progressivism perfectly blends the two together.
When an individual - or in this case, an ideology - sees themselves as stepping in to “save” some allegedly disadvantaged or oppressed group, they interpret their speech and/or actions as setting them apart from other people and groups. It inflates their own sense of importance and completely discounts the actions the “downtrodden” – and others – are doing to improve their own lives.
It often requires defining the targeted group as somehow defective or deficient, unable to help themselves and even unable to survive without help from a messiah, even when those people or groups are progressing on their own terms and may not want, need, or desire such “help”.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) does not address the term "messiah complex" as it is not a clinical term nor a diagnosable disorder. However, according to several sources in the psychology community, the symptoms of this “disorder” closely resemble those found in individuals with delusions of grandeur or with grandiose self-images that veer towards the delusional.
It should also be noted that this complex is most often reported in patients with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
There are, of course, insufferable penis owners who fit this mold, but in my opinion, the most obvious messiahs are AWFLs – Affluent White Female Liberals – the painfully white suburban wine moms who find the meaning in their unfulfilled lives through progressive activism.
I don’t count the Squad in this because they are just POC grievance agitators who beat and use the AWFLs like a rented mule. Without AWFL support, the Squad’s base is very, very small.
The Messiah Complex is relatively harmless when people do give help when it is needed without expectation of any sort of recognition or award. I would wager to say we all likely know someone who has helped someone in need with the expectation of anonymity.
I don’t mean corporate giving – like donating to the American Heart Association or some other global charity through payroll deduction. I mean engaging one on one with a person to alleviate a known stress or need. In my youth, it was not uncommon for the adults of our church to get directly involved through donations, direct assistance or even providing work for people down on their luck – and yet no one ever received certificates, medals and no event was held in their honor.
In the Christian Bible, in Matthew, Chapter 6, Verse 1, we are cautioned:
“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
But what is driving Messiah Complexes today seems to be narcissism, a need to have public validation that the messiahs are truly better than you, even if you have done ten or even a hundred times in silence what they have done out loud. Many times, the messiah does not help, they only claim that status by being a member of the “right” groups.
How to stop it?
It’s going to be difficult.
The one thing that destroys narcissists is ignoring them, but these narcissists have become so ingrained in political movements, they force us to pay attention.
When they can’t be ignored, ridicule is the best weapon.
Ridicule based on fact is their kryptonite.
Best observation (and definition) I've ever heard. Sadly, I know some of them and even sadder, I am related to many of them. My mother called them the "holier than thous"...
Add in “u” for “Ungodly” and they come out completely AWFUL.