We can all agree that victimization is a terrible thing. Some people don't get to realize how awful victimization is until they are the ones being victimized. A person can be victimized for several reasons. A person could be victimized because of where they are from, the way they behave, the way they look, or sometimes, for no reason at all.
Source
In many occasions, people who are fond of victimizing others see the person they are victimizing as inferior. There is never any justification for victimizing someone.
Victimization can have a negative effect on people. For starters, It can reduce a person's self esteem. When someone is constantly being victimized, there is a high tendency that the person's self esteem would drop. The individual begins to think lowly of himself.
Before you know it, depression also sets in. Anxiety could set in as well and the individual's mental health takes a hit just because of victimization.
Source
In addition, victimization can lead a person to be bitter. The individual is always holding a grudge, never happy. The person becomes hopeless and sad, probably scarred for life or for a long time.
As you can see, the effects of victimization run deep. The effects could be long lasting. It could happen to anyone, in various ways. That's why it should always be frowned at.
Victimization can take place in various forms and settings. It can be in the through of bullying, injustice in several aspects, abuse and even neglect.
Source
I have been victimized before, and it wasn't a pleasant experience. I was part of the leadership of a union that had a lot of members some years ago. The others persons in leadership decided to engage in corrupt practices and siphon funds meant for the benefit of the organization and the members.
However, because I am a truthful and transparent person, I refused to engage in such act with them. I'm not saying I am a saint, but I knew my conscience wouldn't let me do such a thing. Eventually, they decided to victimize me.
They did things behind my back, excluded me from crucial decision making processes, obviously because they know I wouldn't be in support of their bad schemes. After a short while, I got fed up and resigned. I had to, at that point.
There's victimization, and then there's the victim mentality. Victim mentality is one of the worst mentalities a person can have. Sometimes, such a mentality drives people away.
It is important to clarify that having a victim mentality does not necessarily mean being a victim. It's just a mentality a person could have. Individuals with such mentality feel like they are always a target or victim even when they aren't. It could also stem from low self esteem or traumatic experience in the past.
The victim mentality can be a lot to deal with especially when a friend has such a mentality. But the great thing is that such mentality can be changed. Being friends with someone with a victim mentality entails a lot of patience, tolerance and understanding. More importantly, it is crucial to help that person overcome such a mentality.
You can partake in Day 3 of the June Inleo prompt initiative. Check out the thread here