When you come across this title, you might think: “Isn’t it 2023?” Yet, despite the awareness many of us share about this issue, victim blaming persists in our society and across the internet in both subtle and overt ways every day. Why is it that in our contemporary culture, we often turn our gaze towards those who have suffered rather than the individuals who caused the harm? Is it a misguided attempt to feel safer by convincing ourselves that the victim must have erred somehow?
Take, for example, a woman who experiences assault. She may be told she was dressed inappropriately or that she should have behaved differently. We like to think we would never act that way. A youth facing bullying might be blamed for not having the “right” backpack, while a same-sex couple attacked in public is often targeted due to the ignorance and fear of others. A teenage girl who is assaulted at a party becomes a target for criticism simply because she made the choice to attend. Survivors of domestic violence frequently find themselves questioned about their decisions to stay with their partners. A college student may face ridicule for being intoxicated when attacked, as if that justifies the crime committed against her. Even public figures have made dismissive comments suggesting that certain individuals could avoid harassment if they just took better precautions.
This mindset is fundamentally flawed. It’s been documented that nearly half of victims of violent crimes choose not to report the incidents, often due to embarrassment, fear, or frustration with a system that seems to favor the perpetrators. Blaming the victim allows their abusers to escape accountability, all to protect the supposed futures of the offenders.
The internet can amplify both the good and the bad in our society. While it’s true that many people are inherently kind, it’s often the loudest voices that dominate discussions on platforms. As the decent majority, we must find our voices and change the narrative, one story at a time.
A woman is assaulted because a man chose to commit that act. A child is bullied due to the aggressor’s own shortcomings, and a gay couple is attacked because of the ignorance of others. A teenage girl is victimized because of the actions of predatory individuals who deserve punishment. Survivors of domestic violence endure abuse because their partners choose to harm them. College students face assault not because of their choices, but because someone made the conscious decision to inflict harm.
We have a shared responsibility to alter the dialogue surrounding these issues, focusing on the actions of the perpetrators rather than the perceived shortcomings of the victims. By fostering an environment where individuals feel safe to come forward, we can begin to hold accountable those who harm others. If potential offenders realize that their actions will have serious consequences, we can hope to see a decrease in such incidents in the future. It’s time for us to advocate for a safer, more compassionate world for everyone.
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In summary, we must reject the notion of victim blaming and instead direct our focus on the actions of those who commit harm. By doing so, we can create a more supportive environment for victims and encourage accountability for perpetrators.