The savior complex is the state of mind where a person feels responsible to help others. I felt Sister Jane Ingalls, from Orange is the New Black, has this psychological complex. 

Orange is the New Black

One of my favorite shows right now is Orange is the New Black.  For those who aren’t familiar with the plot, it is about a privileged female named Piper Chapman who is sent to prison for a drug trafficking crime she committed years ago with her then-girlfriend, Alex.

Sister Jane Ingalls and her Savior Complex

I finished watching season 2 with Mr. Squigglekins and found one inmate’s backstory, Sister Jane Ingalls, fascinating because it focuses on her savior complex.

No Bulls*it Nun

Ingalls is introduced in the first season as a devoted, no bullsh*t, nun who is respected by many of the inmates because of her hip and open attitude. In the second season, the audience sees that Ingalls was sent to prison because of a political protest at a nuclear plant. They also see that she was excommunicated by the Catholic Church because she used her activism and writing for fame rather than for God.

Messiah Complex

Sister Ingalls intrigues me because I can also have a messiah complex. Rather than being altruistic for the sake of it, I sometimes do it because I want people to think highly of me. One example was the Peace Corps.

Peace Corps

In hindsight, I applied to the Peace Corps because:

1. I wanted to get away from my controlling parents.

2. I wanted to be fluent in another language

3. I wanted to pad my resume

4. I wanted an adventure.

5. I wanted approval

6. I wanted to be “better” than everyone else.

Reasons Were Selfish Rather Than Selfless

The reasons were selfish rather than selfless. It was a blessing that I was rejected because I wasn’t mature to join. I still feel that I don’t have enough experience because from what I’ve read from Peace Corps alumni, it’s not easy. It’s mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing.

Be True To Yourself First

Similar to Sister Ingalls, there are still parts where I want fame and glory for my “achievements,” but I’ve learned that majority of people are focused on their own life that they hardly notice others. It’s better to have the approval of yourself because approval from others is fleeting.