Everything Needs Review and Updating

By Richard Reeve

An interesting blog post on the next revision of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (the DSM, as it’s known).  What’s fascinating about the suggestions offered here is that the author expresses his doubt that these suggestions will be incorporated, while none the less taking the time to articulate a variety of potential options because of a belief that some ears within the power structure might be listening.

Dialogue around issues of power in our culture has nearly evaporated, and while the referenced post does not constitute a dialogue, it does responsibly take the time and effort to ensure that opposing opinions are well articulated.

The difficulty of communicating around issues where disagreement exists has surprisingly increased in the age of the internet which has had a divisive and polarizing effect on communities.  This includes our political, cultural, and spiritual convictions as well as issues of commerce.  The fact that many resort to slander and exaggeration shows that these tactics have some efficacy, yet also that they lead to an increased isolation of the opposing positions.

It’s interesting to consider how this cultural phenomenon is an expression of psychological regression and repression.  In the recovery field, a common slogan which has helped many people recognize the danger of unconscious projection is this: “When I’m pointing my finger at someone, there are three pointing back at me.”  Unconscious projection is often characterized by a compulsiveness combined with an absolute certainty.  Healthy-mindedness can little afford the havoc unleashed by unconscious projection.