Now: 1 in 4 American adults suspect they have undiagnosed ADHD, new data shows
It seems everyone is in a special class today:
- ADHD
- neurodivergent, and “on the spectrum” (autism, Aspergher’s)
- Other mental health issues (notably depression and anxiety)
- BIPOC
- Immigrant
- LGBTQ+
- “Grew up middle class”
- And a lot more!
If you are not in a special class, do you matter?
Everyone focuses on “grievances” (which leads to the culture of perpetual outrage): Unraveling the Mindset of Victimhood | Scientific American
The result is “some people tend to see themselves as perpetual victims.”
Based on clinical observations and research, the researchers found that the tendency for interpersonal victimhood consists of four main dimensions: (a) constantly seeking recognition for one’s victimhood, (b) moral elitism, (c) lack of empathy for the pain and suffering of others, and (d) frequently ruminating about past victimization.
Today, it is a mark of distinction to be a “victim”: The Rise of Victimhood Culture: Microaggressions, Safe Spaces, and the New Culture Wars by Bradley Campbell | Goodreads
But is this healthy? Apparently not: Victimhood Is Tearing Us Apart | Psychology Today
Shared-victimhood identity within groups is based on what psychiatrist and conflict mediator Vamik Volkan calls “chosen traumas.” Media, elites, and others in the population choose which traumas and grievances to raise and hold onto and which aspects of history to ignore or downplay. This is a shaping of collective memory. The result can be huge groups of people feeling like morally superior victims, whether or not this is justified.
The media has created and promotes classes of “victims”. Every story finds something wrong and someone to blame – This week we have the media focus on “people living paycheck to paycheck” (which is basically the same story, every year for decades.) Everyone is a victim!
Hey, I’m a brain injured idiot – does that count?
