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victim culture

robert b maas

19:00 / 30.12.01

All we, the people, hear about these days(in the media) is how somebody, somewhere, is being victimised by somebody somewhere. I'm sure this links in somewhere with h Beys analysis of cop tv. A new emergence of a victim mentality in society.

Cavatina

19:44 / 30.12.01

Hi there. Are you new here, or are you posting under a different suit?

I think this 'culture' has been with us for quite a number of years. It's certainly not been uncommon to see the words 'victim of' or 'victim of the culture of (whatever)' in news headings. And people do often seem eager to proclaim themselves 'victim' of something. But the phenomenon seems enmeshed in a complex of trends - yes?

robert b maas

17:38 / 31.12.01

Yes, i am new here. I agree and i also think it represents an important part of the loop in reinforcing these problems. I read an article by Camilo Jose Vergara, "bunkering the poor: Our fortified ghettos". This was about security measures taken by people living in rough neigbouhoods. Those that act in a more pro-active way to solve the problems are viewed as crazy. I think the powers that be have a vested interest in keeping people afraid and, in my view, the media certainly promotes an "i need somebody to protect me" attitude.

Tits win

19:35 / 31.12.01

Is this victim culture a form of masochism? We are in the Black Prison, dudes.

Trapped in a binary system. Basically we're fucked.

SMS

02:30 / 01.01.02

Ah, well, then, there's no point in discussin' it then, I suppose. I'm not sure if I'm more optimistic or not, but I wouldn't say we're fucked, exactly, if for no other reason than that it seems to do more harm than good.

I think a lot of the victim culture'll just be comin' outta the idea that I ought t'have the same rights and duties as the next fella over there. I'm not just talking about a legal standpoint, though. I'd sorta agree with that principle from a legal standpoint. I'm just talkin' about the way you look at the world. That thinking can lead to an over-emphasis on fairness, and a feeling that yer somehow cheated if the world isn't fair.

But I also tend to think that there are more victims in the world than villains. Sometimes, the problems just seem to propogate themselves, because people make mistakes, or they do things they know they shouldn't because they're weak and scared.

Tits win

19:24 / 01.01.02

Hey, just coz we're fucked don't mean we can't get unfucked. The opressed can sometimes kick back. I supose it's alot to do with attitude. But in this world where it seems we have less control over life some might get depressed about it. And some, I guess, aren't strong enough to get out of that. Or really can't due to their situation. What was I talking about again? I'm too tired.

Our Lady of The Two Towers

14:46 / 02.01.02

Is it a victim culture because we've been taught that we should get paid for something that's been done to us? If it became a situation that people that have done something wrong say sorry but don't pay a penny in money, would this change?

Morlock - groupie for hire

07:32 / 04.01.02

It's always more comfortable to blame bad stuff on someone or something, rather than chalking it up to bad luck. If there's a criminal, there is always the chance of getting justice, at least. Most religions being a case in point.

Add to that the opportunity for profit when someone can be blamed, and this trend becomes almost inevitable.

Regrettable Juvenilia

11:36 / 04.01.02

This is a tricky issue: I'm always a little wary when people talk about "victim culture" because it can often be a way of dismissing genuine concerns and grievances... thus those who want to redress the balance in response to oppression/inequality are just whining, shifting blame, etc...

On the other hand, I've definitely encountered individuals who seem to suffer from/subscribe to what could be called a "victim mentality"... and in fact I've felt and given into the temptation to wallow in that mentality myself. But I reckon that's more of a psychological issue - Ganesh might have some useful input here. Is it seen as a part of depression, a distinct recognised syndrome, etc?

Little Mother

18:31 / 04.01.02

I'd go with Ganesh in that there do seem to be a lot of people seeking to put balem elsewhere. One of the big one's recently is the rising dept problem in Britain. Consumer groups are campaigning for legislation to make credit comapanies more careful about who the lend to but there seems very little effort to try and chaneg the culture so that people don't borrow more than they can afford to pay back (unforseen circumastnces accepted).

SMS

22:49 / 04.01.02

quote:Originally posted by 08:
Hey, just coz we're fucked don't mean we can't get unfucked. The opressed can sometimes kick back...

Very often, there's no one to kick.

inteceptor

02:38 / 05.01.02

Help i just found out im a victim! dont fanny about! This society abused members of my family. .they want no refund as there can be no refund. . society? whats that? sanctioned torture in hospitals (electro convultion therapy & chemical lobotomy's)? rape in foster homes & borstals? systematic crushing of mind and soul in comprehensive schools? Come on. .get over it. Being a victim is the least of the problems most of the little chickens i encounter. . most of them are too busy dealing with the victims of they're own rage/abuse. It stops here. Give an inch take a smile huh?
loads of love, inteceptor x x x

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