Those who have suffered oppression by other, stronger groups, and those who have been hit by a debilitating blow of fate are truly victims. Yet, according to social commentator Joseph Epstein, there’s a disturbing new twist today: Too often people merely declare themselves victims, then claim they are powerless and exploited.
Unfortunately, the new victims must find enemies to blame. Also, in order to perpetuate the supposed oppressors’ enemy status, victims have to maintain their anger, indulging in what Epstein calls “the contemporary joys of victim-hood – the assumption of moral superiority, the spread of guilt, the shifting of responsibility for one’s own destiny.”
It is ironic that some self-styled victims- those who have had good enough luck not to be physically or politically disadvantaged and good enough love not to have permanent emotional damage- have chosen to restrict themselves from freedom that is theirs for the taking.
Victims are entitled to our compassion, but not if they have chosen their own misfortune.