Stop the “victimhood” culture
The recent story of the aggrieved female customer turned away at a local men’s barbershop has long-since left the pages of the Observer-Reporter. But I am reminded of it by something I just read regarding victimhood by social psychologist Jonathan Haidt: “…People are encouraged to respond to even the slightest unintentional offense, as in an honor culture. But they must not obtain redress on their own; they must appeal for help to powerful others or administrative bodies, to whom they must make the case that they have been victimized. It is the very presence of such administrative bodies, within a culture that is highly egalitarian and diverse (i.e., many college campuses) that gives rise to intense efforts to identify oneself as a fragile and aggrieved victim. “
It’s no longer enough to stomp out in a huff, yell and scream, raise the middle finger, smoke an angry cigarette, stop at the pub for a few beers while you rant and rave at the injustice done to you while the other patrons nod in sage agreement. Now something must be done. Someone must pay, by God.
A strongly-worded letter to follow is not enough. The authorities must be notified. Why don’t we have stocks any longer, where the miscreants can be placed in the public square for their humiliation?
Better yet let’s fine them an outrageous amount. That’ll show ’em.
The line from the quote bears repeating: “…it the is very presence of such administrative bodies” that gives rise to these sorts of actions. Until such bodies are eliminated completely, we will continue to have these sorts of egregious offenses committed against normal people with normal sensibilities.
John Manning
Canonsburg