Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Degree in victimhood
It seems some liberal-minded (as opposed to liberal arts) colleges are aiding and abetting students in the art of victimhood by telling them they are victims of a repressive government and society. I suggest such colleges abandon all pretense of academic excellence and offer courses as follows.
Victimhood 101: An introductory course covering the basics of victimhood, its origin, spread and rise to acceptability. A general education requirement.
Psychology of Victimhood 201: Prerequisite Victimhood 101. An in-depth study of the mindset of victims, what motivates them, and the extent that environmental factors and governmental policies play in the development of victims.
Becoming a Victim 411: A seniorlevel course open to all majors designed to help students decide if they want to pursue victimhood as a career choice. Successful completion of this course requires submission of a written report detailing at least one actual victimhood experience.
Those of my own generation could have little imagined that by simply having hot coffee jump out of a Styrofoam cup onto our laps we could become instant victims of corporate greed and neglect with possibility of monetary rewards. It might be said we were victims of our time.
Now, a college degree is not actually required to lead a life of victimhood. It may well be that the majority of victims are degree-less, having learned their trade as apprentices to experienced victims. Whether victims with degrees accumulate more wealth over a lifetime than those without a degree has not yet been determined. Further studies are needed in this area. Federally funded, of course.
JOHN McPHERSON
Searcy