The Asshole and Bitch Archetypes: Why They Exist and Why They’re So Prevalent

THIS SHOULD BE FUN AND NOT CONTROVERSIAL AT ALL! lol

Why do so many people fall into the roles we call the Asshole or the Bitch? Are these just insults, or are they recurring archetypes rooted in the unconscious?

In this provocative talk, we’ll explore how these shadow figures emerge in human psychology, relationships, and culture. Drawing on Jungian depth psychology, neuroscience, and contemporary examples, we’ll unpack:

• The unconscious drives that fuel these archetypes
• Why they appear across societies and eras
• How they serve both destructive and adaptive functions
• What they reveal about our own shadow selves

Far from a rant or a caricature (though there will be some laughs), this is a serious exploration of why these roles are so prevalent, and what they reveal about the hidden architecture of the psyche.

About the Speaker:
Dillon Freed is a professor of neuroscience and psychology in New York, where he teaches courses on mind, brain, and behavior. His research focuses on the self, consciousness, and emotion. His psychological work deals with repressed emotion, the unconscious, and how archetypes shape human thought and society. He has produced well-known programs such as How to Let Go, Killer Instinct, Come to Know Your Dark Side, Truth Psychology, Automatic Writing, World Setting, and more. Known for blending academic rigor with engaging storytelling, Dillon brings complex ideas to life in a way that’s accessible, challenging, and transformative.

Format: Lecture and then Q&A