Post by Ikkin on Dec 26, 2006 15:20:49 GMT -5
A while back, there was a thread about whether or not Azula was a sociopath (which I can't seem to find now). She did seem to fit some of the criteria, but it wasn't really a perfect fit.
On the other hand, she seems to fit the profile of Sadistic Personality Disorder almost perfectly:
"Driven to excel" seems to be shown by Azula's perfectionist attitude, and she certainly does take charge when she's given a leadership position.
"Driven to prove their worthiness" seems more like Zuko, though. He fits most of this description, as well, interestingly enough.
(Stress mine)
The underlined part fits Azula almost perfectly. Some of it fits Zuko, too (though more in the normal/exaggerated features than extreme).
Intimidating, coercing, and humiliating people seems to be Azula's modus operandi. And she definitely seems to have found her own niche as princess of the Fire Nation.
Zuko doesn't fit this part as much, in my opinion.
Zuko seems to have the dogmatic part, at least about his belief that his father cares for him. He's not a good manipulator, though.
Azula has the manipulation thing down, and the way she looked at Long Feng when she said he pulled himself up from nothing suggested prejudice to me.
The Fire Nation as a whole fits with the lowest level here - uncontrollable tempers seem to be the status quo there. Zuko, of course, fits as well.
Azula fits the extreme pattern, as well.
We can't really be sure how anyone in the show views themselves, but I'm pretty sure Azula would say her behavior is for the best for the Fire Nation.
The idea of detaching oneself emotionally from the consequences of the action makes me think of Azula and her ability with lightning - I think I remember one of the interviews saying something about Azula having no trouble with that because she has no moral qualms about zapping people. I don't think Zuko does this as much, though the Blue Spirit might have been his way of trying to do that.
Living with Ozai would probably be reason enough to have that kind of philosophy of life, methinks. Ursa must have had a large amount of influence on Zuko, though, since this doesn't seem to be him - he's not really ruthless (as evidenced by the reason for his banishment), and he doesn't always expect hostility (he actually listens to Azula, despite everything she's done to him).
Again, erupting emotions seems to be symptomatic of the Fire Nation as a whole.
Outfoxing people at their own game is very Azula, though. And not very Zuko.
Source
The source I was using had information on another personality type/disorder, and this seemed to suggest another Avatar character:
Now who does that (particularly the underlined parts) sound like?
Cynicism, skepticism, pessimism, sarcasm, griping... that's Sokka, alright.
Sokka does seem to realize that he's cynical and sarcastic. He felt that his father left him behind because he wasn't good enough to help out, and he views himself as a failure when it comes to protecting the people he loves (as seen in The Serpent's Pass).
Any thoughts on any of this? Or any other profiles that you think fit Avatar characters?
On the other hand, she seems to fit the profile of Sadistic Personality Disorder almost perfectly:
The sadistic (dominant, or abusive) personality pattern, as do all personality patterns, occurs on a continuum ranging from normal to maladaptive. At the well-adjusted pole are strong-willed, commanding, assertive personalities. Slightly exaggerated features occur in forceful, intimidating, controlling personalities. In its most deeply ingrained, inflexible form, the sadistic pattern displays itself in domineering, belligerent, highly aggressive behavior patterns.
Stephen Strack (1997) offers the following description of the normal (forceful; i.e., assertive or controlling) prototype of the sadistic pattern:
[These individuals] seem driven to prove their worthiness. They are characterized by an assertive, dominant, and tough-minded personal style. They tend to be strong-willed, ambitious, competitive, and self-determined. . . . In work settings, these personalities are often driven to excel. They work hard to achieve their goals, are competitive, and do well where they can take control or work independently. In supervisory or leadership positions, these persons usually take charge and see to it that a job gets done. (From Strack, 1997, p. 490, with minor modifications)
Stephen Strack (1997) offers the following description of the normal (forceful; i.e., assertive or controlling) prototype of the sadistic pattern:
[These individuals] seem driven to prove their worthiness. They are characterized by an assertive, dominant, and tough-minded personal style. They tend to be strong-willed, ambitious, competitive, and self-determined. . . . In work settings, these personalities are often driven to excel. They work hard to achieve their goals, are competitive, and do well where they can take control or work independently. In supervisory or leadership positions, these persons usually take charge and see to it that a job gets done. (From Strack, 1997, p. 490, with minor modifications)
"Driven to excel" seems to be shown by Azula's perfectionist attitude, and she certainly does take charge when she's given a leadership position.
"Driven to prove their worthiness" seems more like Zuko, though. He fits most of this description, as well, interestingly enough.
Expressive behavior. The core diagnostic feature of the expressive acts of dominant individuals is assertiveness; they are tough, strong-willed, outspoken, competitive, and unsentimental. More exaggerated variants of this pattern are characteristically forceful; they are controlling, contentious, and at times overbearing, their power-oriented tendencies being evident in occasional intransigence, stubbornness, and coercive behaviors. When they feel strongly about something, these individuals can be quite blunt, brusque, and impatient, with sudden, abrupt outbursts of an unwarranted or precipitous nature. The most extreme variants of this pattern are aggressive; they are intimidating, domineering, argumentative, and precipitously belligerent. They derive pleasure from humiliating others and can be quite malicious. For this reason, people often shy away from these personalities, sensing them to be cold, callous, and insensitive to the feelings of others. All variants of this pattern tend to view tender emotions as a sign of weakness, avoid expressions of warmth and intimacy, and are suspicious of gentility, compassion, and kindness. Many insist on being seen as faultless; however, they invariably are inflexible and dogmatic, rarely conceding on any issue—even in the face of evidence negating the validity of their position. They have a low frustration threshold and are especially sensitive to reproach or deprecation. When pushed on personal matters, they can become furious and are likely to respond reflexively and often vindictively, especially when feeling humiliated or belittled. Thus, they are easily provoked to attack, their first inclination being to dominate and demean their adversaries. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, pp. 483, 487)
The underlined part fits Azula almost perfectly. Some of it fits Zuko, too (though more in the normal/exaggerated features than extreme).
Interpersonal conduct. The core diagnostic feature of the interpersonal conduct of dominant individuals is their commanding presence; they are powerful, authoritative, directive, and persuasive. More exaggerated variants of this pattern are characteristically intimidating; they tend to be abrasive, contentious, coercive, and combative, often dictate to others, and are willing and able to humiliate others to evoke compliance. Their strategy of assertion and dominance has an important instrumental purpose in interpersonal relations, as most people are intimidated by hostility, sarcasm, criticism, and threats. Thus, these personalities are adept at having their way by browbeating others into respect and submission. The most extreme variants of this pattern are belligerent; they reveal satisfaction in intimidating, coercing, and humiliating others. Individuals with all gradations of this pattern frequently find a successful niche for themselves in roles where hostile and belligerent behaviors are socially sanctioned or admired, thus providing an outlet for vengeful hostility cloaked in the guise of social responsibility. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, p. 484; Millon & Everly, 1985, p. 32)
Intimidating, coercing, and humiliating people seems to be Azula's modus operandi. And she definitely seems to have found her own niche as princess of the Fire Nation.
Zuko doesn't fit this part as much, in my opinion.
Cognitive style. The core diagnostic feature of the cognitive style of dominant individuals is its opinionated nature; they are outspoken, emphatic, and adamant, holding strong beliefs that they vigorously defend. More exaggerated variants of this pattern tend to be dogmatic; they are inflexible and closed-minded, lacking objectivity and clinging obstinately to preconceived ideas, beliefs, and values. The most extreme variants of this pattern are narrow-mindedly bigoted; they are socially intolerant and inherently prejudiced, especially toward envied or derogated social groups. Some of these individuals have a crude, callous exterior and seem coarsely unperceptive. This notwithstanding, all variants of this pattern are finely attuned to the subtle elements of human interaction, keenly aware of the moods and feelings of others, and skilled at using others’ foibles and sensitivities to manipulate them for their own purposes. The more extreme variants of this pattern, in particular, are quick to turn another’s perceived weaknesses to their own advantage—often in an intentionally callous manner—by upsetting the other’s equilibrium in their quest to dominate and control. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, pp. 484–485)
Zuko seems to have the dogmatic part, at least about his belief that his father cares for him. He's not a good manipulator, though.
Azula has the manipulation thing down, and the way she looked at Long Feng when she said he pulled himself up from nothing suggested prejudice to me.
Mood/temperament. The core diagnostic feature of the characteristic mood and temperament of dominant individuals is irritability; they have an excitable temper that they may at times find difficult to control. More exaggerated variants of this pattern tend to be cold and unfriendly; they are disinclined to experience and express tender feelings, and have a volatile temper that flares readily into contentious argument and physical belligerence. The most extreme variants of this pattern evince pervasive hostility and anger; they are fractious, mean-spirited, and malicious, with callous disregard for the rights of others. Their volcanic temper seems perpetually primed to erupt, sometimes into physical belligerence. More than any other personality type, people with the extreme variant of this pattern are willing to do harm and persecute others if necessary to have their way. All variants of the pattern are prone to anger and to a greater or lesser extent deficient in the capacity to share warm or tender feelings, to experience genuine affection and love for another, or to empathize with the needs of others. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, p. 486; Millon & Everly, 1985, p. 32)
The Fire Nation as a whole fits with the lowest level here - uncontrollable tempers seem to be the status quo there. Zuko, of course, fits as well.
Azula fits the extreme pattern, as well.
Self-image. The core diagnostic feature of the self-image of dominant individuals is that they view themselves as assertive; they perceive themselves as forthright, unsentimental, and bold. More exaggerated variants of this pattern recognize their fundamentally competitive nature; they are strong-willed, energetic, and commanding, and may take pride in describing themselves as tough and realistically hardheaded. More exaggerated variants of this pattern perceive themselves as powerful; they are combative, viewing themselves as self-reliant, unyielding, and strong—hard-boiled, perhaps, but unflinching, honest, and realistic. They seem proud to characterize themselves as competitive, vigorous, and militantly hardheaded, which is consistent of their “dog-eat-dog” view of the world. Though more extreme variants may enhance their sense of self by overvaluing aspects of themselves that present a pugnacious, domineering, and power-oriented image, it is rare for these personalities to acknowledge malicious or vindictive motives. Thus, hostile behavior on their part is typically framed in prosocial terms, which enhances their sense of self. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, p. 485; Millon & Everly, 1985, p. 32)
We can't really be sure how anyone in the show views themselves, but I'm pretty sure Azula would say her behavior is for the best for the Fire Nation.
Regulatory mechanisms. The core diagnostic feature of the regulatory (i.e., ego-defense) mechanisms of highly dominant individuals is isolation; they are able to detach themselves emotionally from the impact of their aggressive acts upon others. These personalities may have learned that there are times when it is best to restrain and transmute their more aggressive thoughts and feelings. Thus, they may soften and redirect their hostility, typically by employing the mechanisms of rationalization, sublimation, and projection, all of which lend themselves in some fashion to finding plausible and socially acceptable excuses for less than admirable impulses and actions. Thus, blunt directness may be rationalized as signifying frankness and honesty, a lack of hypocrisy, and a willingness to face issues head on. On the longer term, socially sanctioned resolution (i.e., sublimation) of hostile urges is seen in the competitive occupations to which these aggressive personalities gravitate. Finally, these personalities may preempt the disapproval they anticipate from others by projecting their hostility onto them, thereby justifying their aggressive actions as mere counteraction to unjust persecution. Individuals with extreme, malignant variations of this pattern may engage in group scapegoating, viewing the objects of their violations impersonally as despised symbols of a devalued people, empty of dignity and deserving degradation. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, pp. 485–486)
The idea of detaching oneself emotionally from the consequences of the action makes me think of Azula and her ability with lightning - I think I remember one of the interviews saying something about Azula having no trouble with that because she has no moral qualms about zapping people. I don't think Zuko does this as much, though the Blue Spirit might have been his way of trying to do that.
Object representations. The core diagnostic feature of the internalized object representations of highly dominant individuals is their pernicious nature. Characteristically, there is a marked paucity of tender and sentimental objects, and an underdevelopment of images that activate feelings of shame or guilt. The inner templates that guide the perceptions and behaviors of individuals with extreme, malignant variations of this pattern are composed of aggressive feelings and memories, and images comprising harsh relationships and malicious attitudes. Consequently, their life experience is recast to reflect the expectancy of hostility and the need to preempt it. These dynamics undergird a “jungle philosophy” of life where the only perceived recourse is to act in a bold, critical, assertive, and ruthless manner. Of particular note is the harsh, antihumanistic disposition of the more extreme variants among these personalities. Some are adept at pointing out the hypocrisy and ineffectuality of so-called “do-gooders.” Others justify their toughness and cunning by pointing to the hostile and exploitative behavior of others; to them, the only way to survive in this world is to dominate and control. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, p. 485)
Living with Ozai would probably be reason enough to have that kind of philosophy of life, methinks. Ursa must have had a large amount of influence on Zuko, though, since this doesn't seem to be him - he's not really ruthless (as evidenced by the reason for his banishment), and he doesn't always expect hostility (he actually listens to Azula, despite everything she's done to him).
Morphologic organization. The core diagnostic feature of the morphologic organization of highly dominant individuals is its eruptiveness; powerful energies are so forceful that they periodically overwhelm these personalities’ otherwise adequate modulating controls, defense operations, and expressive channels, resulting in the harsh behavior commonly seen in these personalities. This tendency is exacerbated by the unrestrained expression of intense and explosive emotions stemming from early life experiences. Moreover, these personalities dread the thought of being vulnerable, of being deceived, and of being humiliated. Viewing people as basically ruthless, these personalities are driven to gain power over others, to dominate them and outmaneuver or outfox them at their own game. Personal feelings are regarded as a sign of weakness and dismissed as mere maudlin sentimentality. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, p. 486)
Again, erupting emotions seems to be symptomatic of the Fire Nation as a whole.
Outfoxing people at their own game is very Azula, though. And not very Zuko.
Source
The source I was using had information on another personality type/disorder, and this seemed to suggest another Avatar character:
The negativistic (contentious) personality pattern, as do all personality patterns, occurs on a continuum ranging from normal to maladaptive. At the well-adjusted pole are cynical, headstrong, resolute personalities. Exaggerated negativistic features occur in complaining, irksome, oppositional personalities. In its most deeply ingrained, inflexible form, the negativistic pattern displays itself in caustic, contrary, negativistic behavior patterns.
Millon (1994) describes the normal (complaining; i.e., resolute or oppositional) prototype of the negativistic pattern as follows:
[These individuals] often assert that they have been treated unfairly, that little of what they have done has been appreciated, and that they have been blamed for things that they did not do. Opportunities seem not to have worked out well for them and they “know” that good things don’t last. Often resentful of what they see as unfair demands placed on them, they may be disinclined to carry out responsibilities as well as they could. Ambivalent about their lives and relationships, they may get into problematic wrangles and disappointments as they vacillate between acceptance one time and resistance the next. When matters go well, they can be productive and constructively independent-minded, willing to speak out to remedy troublesome issues. (p. 34)
Strack (1997) provides the following portrait of the normal (sensitive; i.e., resolute or oppositional) prototype of the negativistic pattern:
[Negativistic] personalities tend to be unconventional and individualistic in their response to the world. They march to the beat of a different drummer and are frequently unhappy with the status quo. They may be quick to challenge rules or authority deemed arbitrary and unjust. They may also harbor resentment without expressing it directly and may revert to passive-aggressive behavior to make their feelings known. Many sensitive [i.e., normal-range negativistic] people feel as if they don’t fit in, and view themselves as lacking in interpersonal skills. In fact, to others they often appear awkward, nervous, or distracted, and seem angry or dissatisfied with themselves and others. They can be indecisive and have fluctuating moods and interests. An air of uncertainty and general dissatisfaction may reflect an underlying dependency and sense of personal inadequacy. With their best side forward, sensitive [negativistic] persons can be spontaneous, creative, and willing to speak out for what they believe in. These qualities make them especially suited to jobs that are not rule-bound, that give them a certain independence from supervision, and that require unusual duties or creative expression. (From Strack, 1997, pp. 490–491, with minor modifications)
Millon (1994) describes the normal (complaining; i.e., resolute or oppositional) prototype of the negativistic pattern as follows:
[These individuals] often assert that they have been treated unfairly, that little of what they have done has been appreciated, and that they have been blamed for things that they did not do. Opportunities seem not to have worked out well for them and they “know” that good things don’t last. Often resentful of what they see as unfair demands placed on them, they may be disinclined to carry out responsibilities as well as they could. Ambivalent about their lives and relationships, they may get into problematic wrangles and disappointments as they vacillate between acceptance one time and resistance the next. When matters go well, they can be productive and constructively independent-minded, willing to speak out to remedy troublesome issues. (p. 34)
Strack (1997) provides the following portrait of the normal (sensitive; i.e., resolute or oppositional) prototype of the negativistic pattern:
[Negativistic] personalities tend to be unconventional and individualistic in their response to the world. They march to the beat of a different drummer and are frequently unhappy with the status quo. They may be quick to challenge rules or authority deemed arbitrary and unjust. They may also harbor resentment without expressing it directly and may revert to passive-aggressive behavior to make their feelings known. Many sensitive [i.e., normal-range negativistic] people feel as if they don’t fit in, and view themselves as lacking in interpersonal skills. In fact, to others they often appear awkward, nervous, or distracted, and seem angry or dissatisfied with themselves and others. They can be indecisive and have fluctuating moods and interests. An air of uncertainty and general dissatisfaction may reflect an underlying dependency and sense of personal inadequacy. With their best side forward, sensitive [negativistic] persons can be spontaneous, creative, and willing to speak out for what they believe in. These qualities make them especially suited to jobs that are not rule-bound, that give them a certain independence from supervision, and that require unusual duties or creative expression. (From Strack, 1997, pp. 490–491, with minor modifications)
Now who does that (particularly the underlined parts) sound like?
Cognitive style. The core diagnostic feature of the cognitive style of contentious individuals is its freethinking nature; they are inherently critical, skeptical, cynical, and doubting, with a seemingly ingrained tendency to question authority. Their preference for indirect expression of aggressive intent may be reflected in a propensity for sarcasm or barbed humor. More exaggerated variants of this pattern are habitually griping; they display a questioning, querulous, grumbling mindset. Consequently, they tend to approach positive events with disbelief and future possibilities with pessimism, anger, or trepidation. Individuals who display the most pronounced variant of this pattern are overtly negativistic; they are disdainful, caustic, and acerbic, displaying a misanthropic view of life and voicing demoralizing or caustic commentary toward those experiencing good fortune. (Adapted from Millon, 1996, pp. 551–552)
Cynicism, skepticism, pessimism, sarcasm, griping... that's Sokka, alright.
Self-image. The core diagnostic feature of the self-perception of contentious individuals is dissatisfaction; they recognize themselves as being generally discontented or cynical about life. More exaggerated variants of this pattern feel disillusioned; they view themselves as being misunderstood, luckless, unappreciated, jinxed, or demeaned by others. They may have an abiding sense of having been wronged or cheated, that little has worked out well for them. The most extreme variants of this pattern experience a pervasive sense of discontentment; they recognize themselves as being embittered, disgruntled, and disillusioned with life. (Adapted from Millon, 1994, p. 33; Millon, 1996, p. 552)
Sokka does seem to realize that he's cynical and sarcastic. He felt that his father left him behind because he wasn't good enough to help out, and he views himself as a failure when it comes to protecting the people he loves (as seen in The Serpent's Pass).
Any thoughts on any of this? Or any other profiles that you think fit Avatar characters?
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