Victim status

or how not to be one!

This article was last revised or reviewed on 12/31/2004 05:28:47 PM

What is this article about?  A "victim" is a person that appears to be "looking" for criticism.  In my humble opinion, some people simply portray the victim appearance and invite criticism, therefore labeling themselves "victims".  I am not attempting to be critical, simply factual.  I hate to be criticized as much as anyone, but the reality of the matter is that some appearances, attitudes, and thoughts can promote one being perceived as a victim.

You have seen people that act like victims many times before and depending on your attitude and level of criticism may have actual labeled them as "victims".  Walking with your head down and never making eye contact and moving out of the way of others is typical of the victim mentality. 

Unfortunately I suffered from this malady for many years and literally asked to be labeled a victim by anyone that saw me.  I couldn't understand why people were always snickering or pointing or giggling at me, I was just being there.  Well, I was asking to be portrayed as a victim and didn't realize it.  Years of this behavior taught me that feeling chased and down-trodden was not the most fun and I needed to do something about it.  I started my  practice by taking pictures and objectively reviewing them.  I mean objectively!  Not with that starry eyed approach but with a genuine objective approach.  Suddenly not every one of my pictures was a stunning picture and I couldn't really believe that I looked like that and went out in public!

I learned from my mistakes.  "Mistakes" is obviously a personal point of view and each of us has a point of view just like an opinion. There is an "acceptable" level right down to a non- acceptable level for each of us, it just varies from person to person.

Learn not to be a victim by realizing how you are perceived and how you act.  Seek guidance from objective parties.  Post your picture on some web site that judges pictures and prepare for really objective opinions.  Always realize however, that your opinion is your own but don't let it over-ride common sense.

Please make sure to read the Attitude and the Passing articles for a more rounded point of view.