Natives and EGO - discussion, learning, middle ground

[metisarch_PREV (deleted)]

Hi All,

Following is some data on EGO. Men and Women have it, all ethnic groups and cultures from around the world have it, I am interested how this plays out with our own people in that inter-tribal sense.

Adapted from:

(removed)



The Ego: Its Effect on Human Issues

by Stevie Richardson, May 22, 2008
Freud's division of mind theory. In particular, this addresses the impact the ego has on human issues, and considers a life without a developed ego.

Over the years, Sigmund Freud's (1856-1939) work has been reflected on a countless amount of times, and still very much used to try to understand the human mind and all of its complexities. Freud's work has been used in various ways, shapes and forms, from trying to understand the psychology of crime, to trying to understanding s----l deviance.

In order to understand the role the ego plays in human problems, Freud's work has to be turned to yet again, as his division of mind theory addresses the way innate desires and repressed emotions shape human behavior', and is based on three separate, yet connected provinces: the id, the super-ego, and the ego. According to Freudian thinking, violent, aggressive or se---lly deviant acts could be seen as expressions of buried internal conflicts that are the result of traumas or deprivations experienced during childhood'. If this is the case, then each province would need to be considered in turn in order to see what impact they have not only on certain deviant behavior, but behavior in general.

The id is thought to represents the primitive, instinctive, animalistic portion of the unconscious mind, and it is here that the primeval human desires reside, with the ultimate aim being to gratify instincts at all costs.

Conversely, the super-ego is considered to be the repository of moral values' and the seat of guilt within the individual. Perhaps the best way to perceive the super-ego is as a sort of internal nagging parent' or moral or ethical guardian. Furthermore, the super-ego develops as a result of a series of early social experiences, with its source being self-criticism based on the production of guilt.

Lastly, the ego relates to the conscious mind, and acts as a sort of mediating device' between the id and the super ego. Because of the conscious recognition within the individual that every act has a consequence', Freud claimed that the ego was driven by the reality principle'.

When considering what role the ego plays in human problems, it may be seen that the ego is responsible for doubt, uncertainty and hesitance in an individual's life. On the other hand however, the ego may also be seen in more of a positive light, as the ego can also be seen as the sound of reason. This can be seen in both respects as not only is the ego continuously mediating between the other two opposing provinces (hence delay in potential decisions), it is also assisting in the prevention of potential unethical/ immoral behaviour. For example, if the id is telling you to gratify your s----l desires at any cost, the ego is weighing up all the potential consequences that may result in you doing so. Alternatively, if an individual is say, considering buying a new house, and the id's needs are met (e.g. the area is better, it's closer to school for the kids, or its closer to family), however the house is £200,000 more expensive, the id may play an irrational part, and may not care less about the financial pressure this may place on an individual. Not only will the ego put all relevant information into perspective, it also ways up the pros and cons of moving, incorporating all factors, not just the positive ones. Although this provides to be good as a security measure, before the ego has successfully mediated between conflicting issues, the house could have easily been sold, or even taken off the market.

As it can be seen, although the ego has its benefits, delay, doubt, and hesitance that the ego brings to the table could be potentially detrimental to an individual's decision making process.

When considering Freud's notion that certain behaviour may surface in adulthood, due to buried internal conflicts, which are the result of traumas or deprivations experienced during childhood', this leaves the question of what if such traumas or deprivations effect the development of the ego, and as a result would it be unable to mediate between two potential opposing decisions'? Furthermore, if an individual has no sense of morality, or considers that every act has a consequence', then how can they mediate between what is the right' or wrong' thing to do? Well the answer is simple; delay, doubt, or hesitance time may be reduced, however, there will be a less developed internal mediating system, which as a result could be detrimental to certain decisions.

When considering the ego's part played in human problems, it appears that although it may create certain dilemmas (e.g. cannot make a prompt decision), on the whole without it, we would have a lot more issues to deal with, as there would be no internal mediating device, or conscious recognition when faced with a dilemma, regardless of how serious.

[plainsgirl_PREV (deleted)]

`Hi. I appreciate what you are saying your posting here. Respectfully, the problem I have w/Freud is that he is about, largely, environment and s----l identity. And he did develop his views based on the time he was living in also (although, believe me I am NO expert on Freud). He isn't including the soul of the person much at all. I believe, personally, that the soul is the seat of the personality. I have known GOOD GOOD people who had dreadful environments and parenting. You couldn't even call it parenting. And people who I wished I could have had the support and advantages they had and they just crapped on everyone they knew. Maybe Soul gives us character? And that determines what we're going to do w/ the lot we're given. Do we use it to take and abuse in this life? Or to feel the suffering of other people and wish to change things in our life to limit or help foster a healing environment for others or (my) children to live in? As it relates to Native issues I do not feel qualified to answer. I am not decended from a "Cherokee princess" to be sure, but the only love I ever recieved in my life as a child was my grandfather who was adopted at a young age, with his brother, to an immigrant couple who had not been able to have children of their own (a kind couple I was told). He and his brother were Native children from South Dakota and he was a goog, quiet , thoughtful man. After his death I floundered for years. And I never gave thought or care to who I was or what I belived in until a few years ago. I think thats why I'm on this site. I feel that i've missed part of myself...at the same time how important is it? I don't want anyone to get me wrong out there, but I just am doubting about the wisdom of people having children "mixing". Love is most important, but practically it's it's difficult for the children and grandchildren. You face a lot of rejection. And questions about self that leave you kind of vunerable(sp.). I hope I haven't offended anyone. It's only my small opinion based on experience, in a sea of millions really. This really does come fron a good place in my heart though.

[plainsgirl_PREV (deleted)]

`By the way I did mean my grandfather was GOOD and Not goog. I swear I need to get more sleep.

[dinewalking_PREV (deleted)]

`In my years of experience & walking the good way & seeing the ugly way. I see ego as a perception of repugnant unconsciousness. Its an individual's non-awareness of their behavior. It an excessive act of selfishness on ones own worth & self interest. Brings on hate, judgement, calamity, discrimination, contempt, intense hostility, & jealousy for anyone thats different from them. Doesnt matter who they are. Freud as I see it lived a myth. Never seeing the true beauty of man, woman, & nature.

We are all connected to the life of Nahasdzaan Bima (Earth Mother). It is holiness we receive from Diyin (Creator), this is our path. Diyin binanitin bihwiideesh aal biniiye bidiishkaal (be dedicated to Creators teaching).

Offensiveness comes from a weak mind & an ugly heart. The plainsgirl shows none these qualities. Ha'goo'nee.

[(deleted)]

`Psychology...hmm, each person of psychology will differ in their teachings due to their background. It is decidely each persons' perception of their surroundings, their teaching, and their personal triumphs/tribulations. There is no wrong or right perception. Each must be taken with a "grain of salt" and applied to an individual situation. Freud, who was abused himself and a drug addict, may have seemed skewed; but, he did raise the most basic of issues.
Offensiveness coming from a weak mind and ugly heart....I have to say that I think that it may come from a deeply hurt person that may not know how to deal with such pain. I wouldn't want to call someone weak or ugly...their must be something that has hurt them so deeply that they may not be able to express themselves in a way that "we" would want them to express themselves. "We" may want people to react they way we want them to, but each person has to be free to express themselves free of ridicule and judgement.
Above all, be true to yourself and to others. Be honest, caring, loving and compassionate....the rest should follow, no matter how haphazard it may seem.

[(deleted)]

`Type- O above....needs to be ...decidedly, just in case anyone noticed!!

[plainsgirl_PREV (deleted)]

`Yes. people who are wounded deeply can be "haphazard" and hurtful to those around them. Sometimes people who are hurt can do hurtful things to others..sorry they hurt, but they can act it out on someone elses street, not mine. I care to align myself w/people who may have been wounded-but gained compassion for others because of it. What people do w/their pain tells me more about who they are they are as a person than words ever could. But I appreciate what your saying. You must be a very patient person....I'm guessing this isn't exactly where Metisarch was expecting his blog to go. Sorry Metisarch

[dinewalking_PREV (deleted)]

`"Offensiveness coming from a weak mind and ugly heart....I have to say that I think that it may come from a deeply hurt person that may not know how to deal with such pain. " Yes a weak mind & ugly heart comes from a twisted past. But a Human Being has to the power to overcome because they seek the truth & wisdom of Diyin'. A person is one that cannot come to terms with themselves & so psychology becomes their weakness. Their souls will run & hide in the shadows to cover up their ugliness & then its misery has to be paid for in order for a shrink to justify their misery. The heart of a Human Being seeks truth, wisdom, & comfort. The soul seeks more ugliness, greed, calamity & so on... The person has lost & the Human Being has gained. I know the difference because I have lived the twistedness of the soul & now I am understanding what it is to be a Human Being, a healing that Diyin' gives freely. Like I said Freud lived a myth because he didn't understand the concept of Human love as Diyin' taught to our ancestors. His concepts came from european of hostility & hate. From there it became a poison for our ancestors.