I've had it with the victimology thing. It's everywhere. Anything one says, any phrased coined, any opinion shared outside one's own home can be misconstrued, unnecessarily judged, or frowned upon in the most demeaning way. "Victimology" is a term I've known has existed for quite some time now; however, it is bravely and astutely explained and exemplified in a book I recently read. While the book is written by an African American male defying gravitating circumstances and stereotypes of his own people, it is plain to me that victimology runs along the lines of any race, any group of people bound together by a common cause who feel they are not being heard or understood or have been wronged in some way. The book gives me hope for these precious African American college students that I minister to and with on a daily basis. In them I see the desire to shake the "victim mentality" and make their own way in life -- using the talents and gifts that God has truly given them. In them I see hope and determination to be different and to make a difference in this world. This book gives them the momentum and the assurance that they are not alone in their feelings.
Veering back to the word "victimology", I must say that recently I read an article that dumped the oozing slime that makes up the word into the streets! Sea World, in Australia, has decided to change the names of the "fairy penguins" to a more politically correct, possibly less offensive name. Hold your breath -- it's a really original name they came up with! "Little penguins" is now what these unique little species will be called.
What IN the world is that all about? While, the officials at Sea World are quick and repetitive about the fact that the homosexual world has not put any pressure on them to make this change, they just felt it was conducive to being aware of any possible future sensitivities from the gay and lesbian society. To that, I say, I don't believe it for a second. Something has already come down the pipes or this kind of radical change would never have come about. Perhaps there are employees at Sea World that have voiced their concerns about the name - being of the alternative persuasion. Who knows? The article says that "someone" thought it might be offensive and so they decided to change it. "Someone" sure has a lot of pull to change the name of an animal that has had that name for a very long time! What gives anyone the right to do that? To read for yourself this newest victimology outbreak and others from around the world, follow this link. http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,193744,00.html
Before I sign off, I need to be heard for what I'm really saying here. I do not believe in prejudice statements, feelings, or actions that cross over the line because of racist sentiments. No group of people should be disrespected in anyway. I am a Christian first, and the Bible is clear that there is no respecter of persons with God. We are all loved by God, but on the other hand, we are all judged by His holy and just nature -- all the same way, because we are sinners. There's no ifs, ands, or buts -- even though there are those who would like to think they can somehow slip past the judgment thing. Accepting the death, burial, and resurrection of God's son, Jesus Christ, is the only way past it! (John 14:6; Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; John 3:16)
I abhor the remembrance and reality of slavery in any manner. I abhor prejudice born from traditions and societal influences. I abhor the demeaning anyone for the sake of hatred or false self-esteem. HOWEVER, "victimology" goes beyond that. Victimology requires that we erase, forget, or cover up history. Victimology requires that we give up our opinions and standards if they do not sooth the defile hearts of those in the grip of sin. Victimology requires that we become tolerant of any belief system put before us. Tolerance, while good for friendships and families and even in working relationships for the sake of unity, only weakens a culture when expanded to be all-inclusive. Psychologically it is impossible to be tolerant of all belief systems and cultural innuendoes and still remain a unique person of value and faith. There are factions in America that cry out for tolerance on all levels. To them I say, visit some of these other countries where tolerance has been put into place or where democracy has never been given the opportunity to shine in its best light. Don't be comfortable to live in this "land of the free and home of the brave" and decry the very principles that make us just that.
Victimology will always be a seed of failure.
No comments:
Post a Comment