It’s not me, it’s you… always you.
Mass victim hood might be the phenomena our generation is remembered for.
Identity groups everywhere seem fixated on the forces and threats challenging their power. Few celebrate the resources and opportunities within their sphere of control. Even fewer recognize the self-inflicted wounds that are more likely the cause of any erosion in influence or power.
It would be easy to point at US politics, or the rise of far right politics around the world as an example of this, but I am more annoyed by the cultural saturation of this subtle paranoia and self-absorption.
“You can’t change how people treat you, or what they say about you. All you can do is change how you react to it”
After an initial pass, that seems to fit into the conventional, independent school of thought I have been trained by. Good relationship wisdom.
On consideration, its a nod toward a world view which champions self as the hero, pitted against those who seek to bring you down. Does our behaviour really have no effect on those around us? Are we unable to influence our relationships for good? More importantly, are we seriously suggesting we never contribute to the challenging circumstances we find ourselves in?
As a Christian I am painfully aware of the projection into our faith. Well known preachers mis-quoting scripture in punchy YouTube clips, promoting the lesser gospel of ‘Jesus the saviour from an array of external threats to your happiness and comfort’. Where is the common sense critique of people’s poor life choices, let alone scriptural rebuke for sin?
Critical introspection is a rare commodity in 2020. Finger pointing is much easier and happily, now common currency. We believe that we know best and that our own good intentions will inevitably lead to happiness. Any other result can only be the result of an external actor, political party, colleague or interest group intent on our downfall.
When will we thoughtfully consider the fundamental role our own decision making plays in the shaping of our outcomes — be it personally, as a community, faith group or political movement.
