Each of us faces adversity at some point in our lives. It’s inevitable. Living in a broken world with 7 billion other imperfect people, we will all face pain, tragedy, and/or some form of victimization. But, some will choose to remain a victim and some will choose to rise above. Which are you?
In his book, “Zero Victim,” James E. Ward Jr. prompts readers to shed any semblance of victim mentality and live as victors – in control of our thoughts, actions and reactions. A short read (only around 100 pages), Ward touches on a vast number of situations in which a person could easily sink into a victim mentality. Ward gives examples of how this type of thinking and feeling can amplify problems and cause repeat cycles of defeat.
A pastor by trade, Ward does incorporate scriptural basis for many of his claims and his last chapter focuses on our victory in Christ. Yet, the entire book is not necessarily an evangelical read directed toward only a Christian reader. The first half of the book actually gives more of a sociological and historical commentary on how many Americans have wound embracing a culture that promotes victim mentality.
“Zero Victim” also tackles the topics of racism, sexism, verbal abuse, and political correctness. He proposes that each of these delicate topics is spurred on through victim mentality. For example, in regard to racism, Ward claims that both the oppressor and the oppressed adopt a victim mentality. The oppressor fears the oppressed and therefore treats him in a way as to exert power and suppress the one he perceives as “lesser.” This fear of being victimized causes him to make a victim of someone else. In turn, the oppressed fears the oppressor and hates him in return. The oppressed is then likely to take on the victim mentality. From here, a ripple effect of expectations and repeat behaviors can erupt.
Ward, an African American man, shares of his childhood. Growing up in a predominantly black neighborhood, Ward shares his experience of being integrated into a white school. With every excuse to claim his minority upbringing as a reason for not having the things his white peers had, he was prompted by a strong, African American female teacher to work even harder in school. He began to see that he could achieve and succeed just like anyone else. Ward credits this teacher in beginning his zero victim mentality.
We all have a story. Whether it be as a child or an adult, someone or some group of people have attempted to victimize us. We can choose to adopt that role and live in it – failing to live up to our potential. After all, that reaction is easy and natural. Or, we can choose not to believe those lies. We can choose to change what Ward calls our “lenses” and see ourselves differently. Ward reminds the Christian that he/she has great reason to do so – because God redeems our failures and hurts so we don’t have to live as victims.
For anyone who struggles with self-pity, blaming others, or feelings of defeat, “Zero Victim” is a quick “self-help” type of read to prompt some internal reflection, forgiveness, and regaining of your personal power.