The Obedient Perfectionist aka the Nurse Ratched
There's an Inner Villain known as Nurse Ratched, or the Obedient Perfectionist, and she doesn't wear a traditional nurse's uniform. Instead, she's a persona within many of us, particularly if we are neurodivergent, a persona that we often overlook in our own lives. In this blog, we will delve into the transformation of Nurse Ratched, a journey that takes us from humble beginnings to the complex world of perfectionism and its effects on our relationships and interactions with others.
The Power of Humiliation: Nurse Ratched's primary tool is humiliation. She wields it expertly to ensure obedience. But what is the source of this power? What drives the need to humiliate others to secure compliance?
The Ongoing Negation: A recurring mantra in Nurse Ratched's mind is, "I am not worthy; therefore, I must obey the rules." This negation is a cornerstone of her influence. But why do we embrace this self-deprecating belief, and how does it shape our behavior and relationships?
The Evolution of Nurse Ratched: As we observe Nurse Ratched's journey, we witness a transformation. In her early stages, she appears as someone deeply humiliated. We call them a “Victim Villain” because more often than not they are the butt of other people’s jokes and criticizes for doing things differently. However, as time goes on, they becomes a fervent rule follower and a perfectionist. But what causes this shift, and why does she find it so challenging to express herself outside the confines of perfectionism?
The Perfectionist's Dilemma: Perfectionism is a challenging state of mind. It insists that there's only one correct way to do things. But is perfect truly a subjective concept? Understanding this is crucial as we reach the third stage of Nurse Ratched's evolution.
The Critical Lens: At the third stage, Nurse Ratched begins to criticize and humiliate those who do not follow her rigid rules. If we happen to be in a position of authority, like a boss or a parent, this tendency to humiliate can have far-reaching consequences. But what drives this compulsion to make others conform to our vision of perfection?
The Nurse Ratched is representative of the 1 in the Enneagram, often called the Perfectionist. We see that those who cannot grow beyond the confines of this distinction will often display this villain.
Nurse Ratched's evolution from using humiliation for obedience to demanding perfection in herself and others is a journey that touches on deeper psychological and behavioral aspects. Understanding this progression can help us recognize and address these tendencies within ourselves, fostering healthier relationships and interactions.
