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Okay yeah, I broadly agree. I'm not sure we can easily determine the difference between constructive conceptions of victimhood that foster change and reactiona

by bccdee 1y ago

Okay yeah, I broadly agree. I'm not sure we can easily determine the difference between constructive conceptions of victimhood that foster change and reactionary conceptions of victimhood that cement cycles of violence though, especially in contexts where needed change is not forthcoming.

FloorEgg 1y ago
Yeah I am not sure. I can usually tell the difference from speaking to someone for a few minutes, especially a few conversations spread out over time. I don't know about at scale... The people who have been victimized and haven't fallen into a victim mindset/mentality will have a different outlook on life. They will speak about the trauma differently. They won't carry hate with them. They will demonstrate empathy for others. They will have a precise understanding of the source of the trauma and not an oversimplified or misplaced blame. In other words, they will have accepted the past since they can't change it, they will have taken constructive actions to minimize future harm or recurrence. I think the key distinctions are: - demonstration and communicating a sense of agency and responsibility for what is within ones control - demonstrating and communicating acceptance of what is not within ones control - demonstrating and communicating empathy for all - being able to speak precisely about the bad thing that happened or is happening and what needs to change to remedy it - being generally curious, so that one's understanding can become more nuanced and precise over time None of this is easy... But back to my original point, my concern isn't with victims, and I don't judge victims who have adopted a victim mentality harshly (it's natural and hard to avoid, victims who avoid it deserve recognition - they are heroes), my concern and judgement is directed towards social media and AI that propagates a victim mentality/mindset, either by exploiting victims or fostering a victim mentality in people who aren't actual victims. Is that clear now?

by bccdee 1y ago

FloorEgg 1y ago

Yeah I am not sure. I can usually tell the difference from speaking to someone for a few minutes, especially a few conversations spread out over time. I don't know about at scale... The people who have been victimized and haven't fallen into a victim mindset/mentality will have a different outlook on life. They will speak about the trauma differently. They won't carry hate with them. They will demonstrate empathy for others. They will have a precise understanding of the source of the trauma and not an oversimplified or misplaced blame. In other words, they will have accepted the past since they can't change it, they will have taken constructive actions to minimize future harm or recurrence. I think the key distinctions are: - demonstration and communicating a sense of agency and responsibility for what is within ones control - demonstrating and communicating acceptance of what is not within ones control - demonstrating and communicating empathy for all - being able to speak precisely about the bad thing that happened or is happening and what needs to change to remedy it - being generally curious, so that one's understanding can become more nuanced and precise over time None of this is easy... But back to my original point, my concern isn't with victims, and I don't judge victims who have adopted a victim mentality harshly (it's natural and hard to avoid, victims who avoid it deserve recognition - they are heroes), my concern and judgement is directed towards social media and AI that propagates a victim mentality/mindset, either by exploiting victims or fostering a victim mentality in people who aren't actual victims. Is that clear now?