We must stop subsidizing victimhood

What you subsidize you get more of. Politicians look for victims at every turn. Every time a bill passes Congress, or is signed by the President, there are a slew of victims waiting to tell how they were victimized and how this bill will help. This is how politics is done and sometimes it is good, but often it is dangerous.

Victims are not to be blamed. This much is true. Many people are honestly victimized. This cannot be avoided. People are victims of crime, some are victims of slander, some of victims of verbal abuse, some are victims of just being annoyed. The perpetrator must be punished if criminal acts have been committed. In our past we have had victims. More importantly we taught that when you fail that helps you become stronger. The founders of our country fought tremendous odds and put their lives on the line for a goal. Some lost their lives. The pioneers in the civil rights movement did the same. Pioneers in every movement go through tremendous struggles. Overcoming these odds are to be celebrated, not the victim hood. Martin Luther King is not looked up to because he was a victim, he is celebrated because he lead people to do something. Rosa Parks isn't famous for going to the back of the bus and complaining, she did something!!! Jackie Robinson went through tremendous victimization, but he emerged! He showed through his skill, but more importantly his character and won people over.

The constant stream of victims on the national stage is not healthy. You want role models? We have them by the boatload. You want a black role model? How about Condi Rice? How about Clarence Thomas? These people rose to the highest levels in their professions not by whining but by excelling. Black youths don't hear about them, they are taught by the hip hop culture. They are treated constantly to a never ending stream of how 'the man' is keeping them down. Captain Obvious Alert: This does not imply that racism does not exist, it does in far too may instances. It implies that the more young blacks are taught to excel the quicker we can reduce racism further.

We are all taught to be victims of globalization. Many people have lost jobs to off shoring. So what is the obvious answer? Get training in another field. Get training before you lose yours. If you lose your job, find a way to work. Start your own company. These are not easy tasks. No one promised it would be easy.

I call on the leaders of our country. That means politicians, community leaders, clergy etc., stop glorifying victims. Glorify the people who have overcome the struggle. Show the young people in your community that you can succeed. While you are at it let them know up front it may be difficult, but it is worth it. The value comes not necessarily from material goods, but in what you feel when you succeed. Individuals, stop feeling sorry for yourselves. We all do this at one time or another. I am no exception. I have to give this lecture to myself frequently. The key is not to let it become your defining characteristic. It is not healthy.

Be know for what you have done, not what has been done to you. As humans we are not guaranteed to never be offended, only a chance to pursue what we can. Our country has more freedom and liberty than any other country I know of. That does not promise you success, only a chance.