Egocentrism

1002 Words3 Pages

Egocentrism can be defined as “unable to take another person’s perspective” (Floyd 140). It is commonly observed that egocentrism is prevalent among young children. They do not understand the concept of taking others into consideration. Young children believe that the world literally revolves around them. Most children will outgrow this egocentrism, but some are still egocentric as adults. We all know of an adult or two who can not see the situation through someone else’s eyes. They can’t put themselves in the other person’s shoes. Adults who are egocentric do not make effective leaders. Since they cannot perceive the way people might be affected, they would not make wise decisions concerning their public.

The clip I chose shows just how much egocentrism warps people’s perspective of things. In this clip from the Lion King, Scar is now king. He has taken over the Pride Land. Scar is standing high above his loyal hyenas and is screeching for Sarabi, Mufasa’s widow. Scar viscously asks Sarabi where her hunting party is. As she calmly explains to Scar that there is no food he responds saying that she isn’t looking hard enough. He does not understand that Sarabi has looked as hard she can. Scar’s warped perception is causing him to see only what he wishes to see about the situation. Sarabi goes on to tell him that it’s over. There is nothing left. No more food. She says their only choice is to leave Pride Rock. Scar is so full of pride that he says they’re not going anywhere. After Scar tells Sarabi they aren’t leaving, she says that he has sentenced them to death. Scar is so obsessed with being king, that he cannot see that his hyenas and lions are dying. They are starving to death. A good king would realiz...

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... a bit egocentric and as made evident in the Lion King, egocentrism is not a good thing. We all must find a way to take another person’s perspective. Being able to have another’s perception is a great gift. Though it is hard to look through someone else’s eyes, this is essential to successful relationships.

Works Cited

Dolcini, M. Margaret, Lawrence D. Cohn, Nancy E. Alder, Susan G. Millstein, Charles E. Iriwin, Jr., Susan M. Kegeles, and George C. Stone. "Adolescent Egocentrism and Feelings of Invulnerability: Are they Related?" Journal of Early Adolescence. 9.4 (1989): 409-418. Print.

Floyd, Kory. Interpersonal Communication: The Whole Story. 1st ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2009. 140. Print.

Lachendro, Elizabeth, and Neil D. Weinstein. "Egocentrism as a Source of Unrealistic Optimism." Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin. 8.2 (1982): 195-200. Print.

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