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Why do so many people fill a void in their life by feeling persecuted?

Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:33 pm
Posted by Violent Hip Swivel
Member since Aug 2023
7776 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:33 pm
It's the big new trend and cool thing to do in America, like slap bracelets in the '80s and Charlotte Hornets Starter jackets in the '90s. Everybody's doing it!

Any sociology or psychology majors on here?

Here's the fast and easy answer, but I imagine that it's somewhat more nuanced and complicated than this...

Why do so many people fill a void in their life by feeling persecuted?
ChatGPT said:

ChatGPT
The tendency for people to fill a void in their lives by feeling persecuted often stems from deep psychological, emotional, and social factors. Here are some potential reasons for this phenomenon:

1. Sense of Identity
Feeling persecuted can provide a sense of belonging to a group that shares similar struggles or beliefs. This identity can make someone feel special or validated, especially if they perceive themselves as part of a misunderstood or righteous minority.

2. Need for Purpose
A sense of persecution can give life a clear narrative or mission, transforming personal struggles into a battle against external forces. This framework can make life's challenges feel more meaningful.

3. Externalizing Problems
It’s often easier to attribute personal or societal difficulties to external oppression rather than reflecting on internal issues or systemic complexities. This externalization can shield individuals from feelings of inadequacy or guilt.

4. Cognitive Biases
Humans are prone to cognitive distortions, such as confirmation bias. When someone feels persecuted, they may selectively interpret experiences as evidence supporting that belief, reinforcing the perception of victimization.

5. Social Reinforcement
In some cases, claiming persecution can attract sympathy, attention, or validation from others. This positive reinforcement can perpetuate the mindset.

6. Historical and Cultural Narratives
Many cultures and communities have historical narratives centered on persecution or oppression. Aligning oneself with these narratives can be a way to connect with collective memory or shared identity.

7. Emotional Catharsis
Feeling persecuted allows people to vent frustrations and emotions by focusing on external adversaries rather than confronting internal conflicts or uncertainties.

8. Disempowerment and Alienation
In a world where many feel disempowered or alienated, perceiving persecution can validate feelings of being undervalued or ignored. It shifts the blame to others, which can feel empowering in a paradoxical way.

9. Distrust and Polarization
Increased social and political polarization fosters a sense of "us versus them." People may adopt persecution narratives as a way to bolster their in-group identity against perceived threats.

Ultimately, this behavior reflects a complex interplay of individual psychology and societal influences. Understanding it with empathy can open pathways for addressing the underlying voids that drive these feelings.






This post was edited on 1/18/25 at 8:36 pm
Posted by PsychTiger
Member since Jul 2004
106803 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:35 pm to
Because progressives are mentally ill.
Posted by Athis
I AM Charlie Kirk....
Member since Aug 2016
15643 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:36 pm to
Because it is easier to blame someone else for your problems...
Posted by tide06
Member since Oct 2011
19991 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:36 pm to
Persecution is easier than actualization.
Posted by MIZ_USA
Member since Jan 2014
616 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:40 pm to
This is true of both sides of the political spectrum.

LINK
Posted by HubbaBubba
North of DFW, TX
Member since Oct 2010
50703 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:40 pm to
The AI forgot, Sucked at sports.
Posted by Violent Hip Swivel
Member since Aug 2023
7776 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:44 pm to
quote:

Because progressives are mentally ill.



A lot of black folks. Definitely. Bernie Bros. Definitely. LGTQCFP people. Definitely.

...It's not just progressives, however. Without persecution complexes, there'd be no populist politicians and populist movements. MAGA is self-proclaimed populism and textbook populism. People convince themselves that "the people in power haven't cared as much about people like me" and "I'm not getting a fair deal."

Populism has always been on a pendulum in America. Right now we are in a populist period on steroids, fueled largely by so many children who were raised by their parents to think that they are "special," which became the parentint trend about 30 years ago, in concert with social media and all of the madness that social media spawns.
Posted by Tigerinthewoods
In the woods
Member since Oct 2009
1716 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:45 pm to
Victims are weak people with weak minds and weak character.
Posted by wackatimesthree
Member since Oct 2019
10209 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:47 pm to
Because intersectionality has been accepted (unconsciously by most) as the dominant lens through which to view society.

It used to be the individual (at least in America).
Posted by Violent Hip Swivel
Member since Aug 2023
7776 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:56 pm to
quote:

intersectionality


I just became familiar with this silly word and concept a few weeks ago. Intersectionality creates the Opression Olympics, where every sugroup is competing over who should be standing in first place on the oppressed podium and at the top of the oppression hierarchy.
This post was edited on 1/18/25 at 8:58 pm
Posted by BamaCoaster
God's Gulf
Member since Apr 2016
6567 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:57 pm to
quote:

People convince themselves that "the people in power haven't cared as much about people like me" and "I'm not getting a fair deal."


Ummm…maybe Covid made people wake up to the above reality.

Americans, by and large, specifically the middle class, ARE being persecuted.
Posted by Hodag
Northwoods
Member since Sep 2024
1083 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 8:58 pm to
I asked ChatGPT why do people start so many troll threads on the internet.

It said something about being addicted to sucking cock.
Posted by Bobby OG Johnson
Member since Apr 2015
32080 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 9:04 pm to
quote:

I asked ChatGPT why do people start so many troll threads on the internet.

It said something about being addicted to sucking cock.
quote:

Violent Hip Swivel
Posted by Narax
Member since Jan 2023
5558 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 9:16 pm to
quote:

Why do so many people fill a void in their life by feeling persecuted?


Because there are no institutions for liberal young people.
Let's face it, they aren't going to church, church was a place of belonging and support, but leftists haven't believed in God since 1880. They already took over the mainline protestants so those are just full of old lesbians.

They aren't serving in the military, the old VFW and American Legion are ghost towns.

Boyscouts were infiltrated by pedos.

They don't like bowling leagues.

There's a good book Bowling Alone iirc.

People are lonely they don't have communities.
Posted by TerryDawg03
The Deep South
Member since Dec 2012
17655 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 9:21 pm to
People who lack purpose seek it out in all sorts of ways.

The void is the cause. The attention seeking is the symptom.
Posted by FooManChoo
Member since Dec 2012
45447 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 9:25 pm to
quote:

This is true of both sides of the political spectrum.

LINK /
This can be true, but Christians have had a long history of being persecuted and the teachings from Jesus indicate that Christians should expect persecution for the sake of the truth, which is offensive to those who don't believe it. We've seen an uptick in this over the past decade in particular, so I wouldn't exactly characterize religious persecution as the same thing as people looking for meaning in their lives. Christianity provides meaning whether a Christian is being persecuted or not.
Posted by Enadious
formerly B5Lurker City of Central
Member since Aug 2004
18493 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 9:29 pm to
quote:

Why do so many people fill a void in their life by feeling persecuted?

Because you touch yourself...
Posted by 10thyrsr
Texas
Member since Oct 2020
933 posts
Posted on 1/18/25 at 10:04 pm to
Here is what grok says:

The phenomenon of individuals feeling persecuted as a way to fill a void in their lives can be understood through several psychological, social, and cultural lenses:

Psychological Needs:
Identity and Belonging: People often seek a strong sense of identity or community. Feeling persecuted can provide a clear, if negative, identity and create bonds with others who share the same perceived plight. This can be particularly appealing if someone feels alienated or lacks a clear purpose in life.
Control and Agency: In a world where personal control over many aspects of life can feel diminished, adopting a narrative of persecution can give individuals a sense of control or importance. They can interpret personal or societal challenges as part of a larger battle where they are significant players.
Cognitive Biases:
Confirmation Bias: People tend to seek out information that confirms their beliefs while ignoring or discounting information that contradicts them. If one believes they are persecuted, they are more likely to notice and remember instances that support this belief.
Victim Mentality: This mindset can evolve as a protective mechanism where acknowledging one's own faults or societal indifference is too painful or self-blaming. Instead, externalizing blame onto an oppressor can be less emotionally taxing.
Social Dynamics:
Group Cohesion: Feeling persecuted can strengthen group cohesion. Shared adversity can lead to stronger bonds, offering a sense of belonging and support that might be lacking in other areas of one's life.
Attention and Sympathy: In some cases, individuals might find that claiming persecution garners attention, sympathy, or resources that they wouldn't otherwise receive.
Cultural and Historical Context:
Historical Narratives: Many communities or groups have historical narratives of persecution, which can be passed down through generations, influencing current perceptions of identity and belonging.
Media and Political Influence: Media, especially social media, can amplify feelings of persecution by creating echo chambers where only certain narratives are reinforced. Politicians or influencers might also exploit this feeling for political or personal gain.
Compensation for Internal Struggles:
Self-Esteem Issues: If someone struggles with self-worth, feeling persecuted can paradoxically serve as a form of validation or importance in the narrative they construct around themselves.
Avoidance of Personal Responsibility: By attributing life's challenges to external persecution, individuals might avoid confronting personal shortcomings or the need for self-improvement.

Understanding why people might feel persecuted involves recognizing that this feeling can serve multiple psychological functions, from providing identity and community to avoiding the harshness of personal accountability. However, it's crucial to approach such feelings with empathy, understanding that while the perception of persecution might be real for the individual, it doesn't always reflect the objective reality of their circumstances. Encouraging a balanced perspective, critical thinking, and open dialogue can be key in addressing these feelings productively.
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