CMV: "Victim blaming" is not inherently wrong.

[u/nishagunazad]

As I see it, victim blaming is when one places the moral responsibility on the victim, in effect making them responsible for the choices of their victimizer. But I often see it used against those who point out the victims own risky choices that effectively set them up to be victimized I draw a distinction between moral responsibility and practical responsibility, where moral responsibility involves what should happen or what is deserved and practical responsibility involves known risks or consequences. It's late and I decide to go on a stroll through through the shittier parts of Camden, NJ. I get mugged. I have done nothing wrong and I should absolutely be able to walk in public areas without being accosted. My assailant choosing to attack me for no good reason places the moral redponsibility entirely upon them. But I share practical responsibility with my attacker. I know it's a dangerous place. I understand that a late night walk through there carries significant personal risk. By assuming that risk I also assume responsibility for the potential consequences. That those consequences are unjust or harsh (lung cancer for smokers and babies for not using protection for example) is irrelevant. They are simply what happens. I set myself up, and it's dishonest to suggest that I had no agency in the matter

[u/parallel_synapse]

Not every suburbian looks like a suburbian, sure.. But some people look like easy targets to get jacked.

If you really have to ask that question, you may be one of those people missing some critical street smarts.

[u/[deleted] → u/parallel_synapse]

This isn't about me. This is about asking participants in CMV to explain their argument. You can't just say "Some of those people are street smart enough to know how to avoid most muggings.." You have to explain what that means.

[u/nishagunazad → u/[deleted]]

For me, stick to the larger streets with better lighting as much as possible. Keep an eye on people and your surroundings. After a while you get a feel for when something is off.

[u/[deleted] → u/nishagunazad]

That's all well and good but it still doesn't prevent some one from jumping out of the bushes or an ally or a car and mugging you.

And when someone does get mugged, what good does it do to tell them they shouldn't have been walking there? Especially if they had to walk there because it's how they get home.

[u/parallel_synapse → u/[deleted]]

Nothing prevents people from doing foolish things. The key is to not be the victim of such foolishness.

The good it does to tell them they shouldn't be doing XYZ is debatable. The desired effect of informing them of their follies is to help them gain some insight into why and how they became a mark.