by Stacia Friedman

Donald Trump’s meteoric ascent on the political horizon signals a new trend in popular culture. I am not referencing his vitriolic remarks about Mexicans, Muslims or women, his fake tan or bizarre comb-over. (Although I suspect that men of a certain age will ask barbers to make their hair “Great Again!”) What I am talking about is the Cult of Narcissism.

Sure, there was the Me Generation that fixated on self-actualization, tuning in and dropping out, Buddhism and, subsequently, real estate and hedge funds. But Trump pushes the envelope to a whole new level of egocentricity.

Not that long ago, before the 2008 crash, people with Big Money didn’t flash it. It was in bad taste to broadcast your net worth, private jet or number of servants. With one wave of his stubby-fingered hand, Trump has given the One Percent permission to flaunt their wealth like a Medal of Honor while somehow convincing the middle class that he understands their concerns. Really? When was the last time Trump shopped around for an affordable dentist? Or drove a car that was over 10 years old and hoped it would pass inspection?

Trump has told us he is “Very, Very Rich” enough times to make it a drinking game. He has also told us that he gets along “great” with The Blacks and The Hispanics. (On that note, I would like to extend a personal invitation to give Mr. Trump a walking tour of 5th and Lehigh.)

He has repeatedly stated he “loves women.” According to his divorces, the date of expiration on that love falls due when a female turns 42. Obviously, years of running the Miss Universe Pageant has caused him to expect a perfect score in the Bathing Suit and Evening Gown Competition.

Until Trump cleaned Ted Cruz’ clock in Indiana, I was as complacent as any Democrat or, for that matter, Republican. I thought Trump was comic relief and was waiting for him to slip on the proverbial banana peel. Now that no one is laughing, I think it’s time for The Rest of Us to re-evaluate the degree to which we share Trump’s mighty self-love. Take this quiz to test your narcissism rating.

•When I look in the mirror I see…A) winner; B) A pudgy person with bad hair; C) A golf resort in Damascus.

•The last gift I bought myself was…A) A Lear Jet; B) The state of Indiana; C) Megyn Kelly.

•My most precious possession is my…A) Next wife; B) Bankruptcy lawyer; C) Hair spray.

•My favorite form of exercise is…A) Counting my money; B) Scaring the pantsuit off Hillary; C) Running for President.

•My personal role model is …A) Attila the Hun; B) Vladimir Putin; C) Daffy Duck.

•People admire me because I am….A) Very rich; B) Very confident; C) Very vindictive.

•For relaxation, I….A) Fire people; B) Implode hotels; C) Threaten to carpet bomb Syria.

•When I want to send a message I use…A) Twitter; B) Email; C) My Big Mouth. •If elected President, I would…A) Own 85 percent of the Mexican company that builds the border wall; B) Hire El Chapo to run my personal security; C) Name Kim Kardashian Secretary of State.

•I wouldn’t be who I am today without…A) Viagra; B) Miralax; C) Reality TV.

•My favorite song is…A) New York, New York; B) America the Beautiful; C) Still Crazy After All These Years.

•When I am stressed, I take comfort in…A) The Bible; B) Top-Shelf Scotch; C) A bucket of KFC.

Stacia Friedman is a Mt. Airy satirist, author, freelance writer and co-founder of a local environmental organization. Their slogan is “Save the Earth. It’s the Only Planet with Chocolate!” Other co-founders are Dan Druff, Rhoda Bike, Cheri Pitts, Gay Libb and Isabelle Ringing.