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The Dilemma of the Sycophant

Bootlicking is something that usually done to get special benefits from someone. It always happens, it’s the worst way of pulling strings. You may wonder, what is a sycophant. It’s a fancy way of saying “bootlicker” or the more vulgar “suck up”

The Dilemma of the Sycophant

Examples of sycophancy: First let’s go over some of the many examples of sycophancy. Sycophants are present in many places. whether it be politics, your job, the street, amongst family members. Here are some examples of sycophancy.

1.) The white knight: One of the most common types of Sycophants is the white knight who comes to the aid of random women even if she isn’t in dire need of assistance or is in the wrong. Why do some guys act like this you may ask. Well, it varies. Some naive guys think they are doing the right thing, others think they’ll get some sort of “reward” and others do it simply for a reputation boost.

The Dilemma of the Sycophant

The sycophantic employee: A employee can act sycophantic to their Boss for several reasons. One can be intimidation, unfortunately there are horrible bosses who run their business through fear. Some employees will try to get on the boss’s good side by being “Yes men” or “Yes women”. It may or may not work but it only offers some shielding, not to mention that it feeds the boss’s ego.

The Dilemma of the Sycophant

The sycophantic partner: Unfortunately this is something that happens a bit too often. A person will act subservient to their “significant other” and will always give in to his or her demands. There are many reasons for this, it could be that he or she loves her partner so much, it could be that there is some kind of contract between both, or it could simply be that he or she is too submissive outside of the bedroom.

The Dilemma of the Sycophant

Sheeple/conformists: It can be argued that sheeple, or people that don’t think critically and are gullible are also sycophants in certain occasions. These people go by many names such as “blue pills” but I call them sheeple because it’s funny and fitting. For example These people show sycophantic behavior when they try to imitate even the most overrated trends just to avoid sticking out, or when they “agree” with something that is said even though they have inner doubts. Why do these people act like this? Perhaps they want to continue believing something that puts their mind at ease, perhaps they are too close minded or perhaps they unknowingly act like sheep.

The Dilemma of the Sycophant

What can we do to help sycophants? Well, the first thing to do is analyze the type of sycophant and see if they have low self esteem. Many sycophants may suffer from low self esteem hence always trying to suck up to certain people or conform.

The Dilemma of the Sycophant

The next thing is encourage the individual to stand up for themselves and seek success elsewhere because the truth is that sycophants will never gain respect from the people they try to please.

lastly, give tips and suggestions. Whether it be tips on relationships, suggestions on where to find a better job etc. This will at least put them on the right path. It’s up to them if they want to follow it.

The Dilemma of the Sycophant
The Dilemma of the Sycophant
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