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From Refugees to Rape Victims: Tackling Victim Blaming From refugees to rape victims, what causes victim blaming?
(about 5 hours later)
Like millions of others, I’m sure recent media coverage will be the kind I will never forget. Along with the heartbreaking coverage of the refugee crisis, I also found myself drawn to articles about Chrissie Hynde’s rape comments and the now-retracted Loose Women “are women ever at fault for rape” poll. Two different issues which, depending on your news source and perspective, share an unfortunate common theme: victim blaming.Like millions of others, I’m sure recent media coverage will be the kind I will never forget. Along with the heartbreaking coverage of the refugee crisis, I also found myself drawn to articles about Chrissie Hynde’s rape comments and the now-retracted Loose Women “are women ever at fault for rape” poll. Two different issues which, depending on your news source and perspective, share an unfortunate common theme: victim blaming.
In his 1971 book Blaming the Victim, William Ryan coined a term that would be debated and deconstructed in a variety of contexts for the next 40+ years. That “victim blaming” is as relevant today as it was then (and for centuries before) speaks volumes about our psychological and social tendency to displace responsibility onto victims instead of perpetrators. From sexual assault and rape victims seeking understanding and justice, to refugees and asylum seekers seeking safety and stability, both groups remain vulnerable to our suspicion and blame.In his 1971 book Blaming the Victim, William Ryan coined a term that would be debated and deconstructed in a variety of contexts for the next 40+ years. That “victim blaming” is as relevant today as it was then (and for centuries before) speaks volumes about our psychological and social tendency to displace responsibility onto victims instead of perpetrators. From sexual assault and rape victims seeking understanding and justice, to refugees and asylum seekers seeking safety and stability, both groups remain vulnerable to our suspicion and blame.
Ryan wrote about race and poverty in America, and how the white middle classes had long relied on victim-blaming as a psychological tactic to distance themselves from the disparities and injustices which boiled under the surface of society. What I remember as an American white middle class student with that book in hand, was that the title alone made my face burn and my stomach flip. “But I don’t blame anybody!” I told myself defensively, unaware of both my biases and the irony of making it all about me. Even if we are empathic, there is often much more work to do in terms of our self-awareness and action. It’s not enough to just “feel bad” for someone.Ryan wrote about race and poverty in America, and how the white middle classes had long relied on victim-blaming as a psychological tactic to distance themselves from the disparities and injustices which boiled under the surface of society. What I remember as an American white middle class student with that book in hand, was that the title alone made my face burn and my stomach flip. “But I don’t blame anybody!” I told myself defensively, unaware of both my biases and the irony of making it all about me. Even if we are empathic, there is often much more work to do in terms of our self-awareness and action. It’s not enough to just “feel bad” for someone.
The truth is that even with the perception of a media sea change following the horrific photograph of the drowned baby, and with the outrage which ensued when the rape poll hit twitter, this psychological tactic is still at play for too many.The truth is that even with the perception of a media sea change following the horrific photograph of the drowned baby, and with the outrage which ensued when the rape poll hit twitter, this psychological tactic is still at play for too many.
Facing up to victim-blaming isn’t always a comfortable process, but denying its power is detrimental. More than simply a way of avoiding responsibility, it’s a complex defense which allows us to deny our own vulnerability and in turn undermine the vulnerability of others. The thought that we live in a world which is unjust, unfair, and at times unsafe is understandably too much to bear at times, and if we can find a way to deny vulnerability in order to feel safe, it seems we will, even if it means pointing the finger and putting blinders on.Facing up to victim-blaming isn’t always a comfortable process, but denying its power is detrimental. More than simply a way of avoiding responsibility, it’s a complex defense which allows us to deny our own vulnerability and in turn undermine the vulnerability of others. The thought that we live in a world which is unjust, unfair, and at times unsafe is understandably too much to bear at times, and if we can find a way to deny vulnerability in order to feel safe, it seems we will, even if it means pointing the finger and putting blinders on.
In one of the most well-known experiments on the topic, Melvin Lerner studied people’s tendency to believe that beneficiaries deserve their rewards, and victims deserve their fates. In some ways it’d be easier if this was the truth. If people are responsible for sexual assault, well, the power lies with them to just wear “modest clothes” and avoid behaviours which “entice” rapists. If victims of war torn countries are ultimately responsible for their own displacement and welfare, we needn’t worry ourselves with their outcomes; nor do we need to examine the frightening possibility that we too could become victims someday. And if you’re lucky enough to be safe, fed, clothed, and unexploited – well, surely you’ve earned it?In one of the most well-known experiments on the topic, Melvin Lerner studied people’s tendency to believe that beneficiaries deserve their rewards, and victims deserve their fates. In some ways it’d be easier if this was the truth. If people are responsible for sexual assault, well, the power lies with them to just wear “modest clothes” and avoid behaviours which “entice” rapists. If victims of war torn countries are ultimately responsible for their own displacement and welfare, we needn’t worry ourselves with their outcomes; nor do we need to examine the frightening possibility that we too could become victims someday. And if you’re lucky enough to be safe, fed, clothed, and unexploited – well, surely you’ve earned it?
It’s heartening and inspiring to see how many people are speaking out against victim-blaming. There were more voices calling for the ridiculous Loose Women poll to be removed than there were supporters. There are progressive voices speaking loudly above the scaremongering and xenophobia which surround the refugee crisis and people seem to be increasingly mobilising for change.It’s heartening and inspiring to see how many people are speaking out against victim-blaming. There were more voices calling for the ridiculous Loose Women poll to be removed than there were supporters. There are progressive voices speaking loudly above the scaremongering and xenophobia which surround the refugee crisis and people seem to be increasingly mobilising for change.
Incidentally, the results of the poll indicated that an “overwhelming majority” (87.85%) of respondents feel women are never at fault for rape. Personally, I find myself underwhelmed by that number. There is still work to be done. Perception informs action. Perceptions still need to change.Incidentally, the results of the poll indicated that an “overwhelming majority” (87.85%) of respondents feel women are never at fault for rape. Personally, I find myself underwhelmed by that number. There is still work to be done. Perception informs action. Perceptions still need to change.
Telling ourselves that victim-blamers are just a small, inconsequential minority simply gives them more power to perpetuate myths. It also gives license to a bit of black and white thinking and an “us and them” mentality. All of this goes well beyond celebrity quotes, daytime programmes, and the newspaper you pick up on the train. From a psychological perspective, it’s about having the courage to be honest with ourselves, embrace our own vulnerability, and use it to act upon, not just talk about, our responsibility to victims.Telling ourselves that victim-blamers are just a small, inconsequential minority simply gives them more power to perpetuate myths. It also gives license to a bit of black and white thinking and an “us and them” mentality. All of this goes well beyond celebrity quotes, daytime programmes, and the newspaper you pick up on the train. From a psychological perspective, it’s about having the courage to be honest with ourselves, embrace our own vulnerability, and use it to act upon, not just talk about, our responsibility to victims.
@TaylorglennUK@TaylorglennUK