Free and Fair society and system to curb the webs of victimization

Victimization is an injustice done to another by exploiting a weakness to one's advantage. Oftentimes, the act of victimization puts the victim at a disadvantage while the culprit has a feeling of victory. Oftentimes, the victim is unjustly singled out for consequences that others should also partake in, but for some reasons, such an individual is often picked upon, especially frequently.

Without prejudice, there are reasons why an individual can be victimized, and an example is the frequent art of speaking up against injustice. Life is about right and wrong, a constant need to stay in line with acceptable norms. Speaking against wrong ideas or practices can bring about the act of victimization. I remember being cautioned some three years ago against speaking up against a wrong by using the civil service rule as a threat. I am respectful and objective, but when obvious issues come up where I need to speak up, I do not hesitate to voice out my disagreements or grievances. Of course, I am considered a troublemaker, and perhaps some privileges are denied me for being myself. However, I am content with having spoken my mind, whether the change comes or not, rather than having kept quiet and watched injustice prevail.

We should be able to draw the line between acts of insubordination or disrespect and standing up for what is right or acceptable. During this recent nationwide industrial action as mandated by the overall labor union and trade Congress, I was surprised to note that some government parastatals went ahead to present themselves to work. Breaking this down to the basics, the government is the employer of labor, while the labor union is the protection the employee has against the employer. I believe understanding the position of each role divides between defiance of authority.

IMAGE CREDIT

There is no doubt that people or a system abhor those who speak up against it, especially when the rot has been on for a significant while. An example is a government that victimizes a community or an individual for not supporting it during the electoral campaign. Or, we could have individuals not being offered privileges, incentives, or dues like promotion for having spoken against a ruling authority. Such people are considered threats and often deprived of dues and privileges.

Victimization often comes from superior officers or elders. who are in positions of authority to deprive or inflict a loss of privilege or opportunity on the victim. The victim is likely to have machinery channeled towards him in a bit to frustrate and quieten him from further speaking against the ongoing injustice. Unfortunately, people similarly affected are not likely to stand in solidarity with those victimized for fear of a similar fate and would only privately console such victims. This often makes the victim feel all alone and may cause depression or low self-esteem.

IMAGE CREDIT

As much as we desire a system and society that give fairness to all, we are far from it, and voices continue to remain subdued with threats of victimization. But if things work as they should, opposition is likely to be countered by the working system and society. We will continue to advocate for a free and fair society and system while speaking up against injustice and showing solidarity to victims of oppression.

You can participate in#inleo monthly and daily prompts HERE

Thank you for reading. I would love to have your comments and contributions.