Yes, narcissists often run smear campaigns against their flying monkeys. Flying monkeys are individuals who enable and support the narcissist, usually by taking on the role of defending and promoting their actions, beliefs, and behavior. These individuals may be friends, family members, colleagues, or acquaintances who are manipulated or coerced by the narcissist to do their bidding.
A smear campaign is a tactic employed by narcissists to damage the reputation of their targets and discredit anyone who may be critical of them or not fully aligned with their agenda. When a flying monkey begins to doubt or question the narcissist, the narcissist may turn on them and use similar tactics against them.
Some ways a narcissist might run a smear campaign against their flying monkey include:
Public Humiliation: The narcissist might publicly criticize or belittle the flying monkey, spreading rumors or sharing private information to shame and discredit them.
Gaslighting: The narcissist might manipulate the flying monkey's perception of reality, making them doubt their own experiences and beliefs.
Isolation: If a flying monkey starts to question the narcissist's behavior, the narcissist may try to isolate them from others who could provide support or alternative perspectives.
Character Assassination: The narcissist may fabricate or exaggerate negative traits or actions of the flying monkey to undermine their credibility.
Discarding: If the flying monkey is no longer serving the narcissist's purposes or becomes a liability, the narcissist may discard them without hesitation.
By running smear campaigns against their flying monkeys, narcissists aim to maintain control over them and prevent them from breaking free from the toxic influence. It's essential for flying monkeys to recognize the manipulative tactics used by the narcissist and seek support to break free from the cycle of abuse.