Is That a Monster in the Mirror?: From Parenting to Politics

When I was very young, it was not uncommon for either of my parents to say I was “spoiled”. I sometimes helplessly retaliated: “Well, you spoiled me!” but it was never satisfying to me internally or even believable, even to myself. I was given a lot of things and let’s say I knew how to get them — if I asked or nagged long enough or pouted, that might become a win. However it was never a real win because I never felt worthy of what I got. I felt more like the monster who had taken over the minds and wallets of the good people who were my parents. And…