Belief in a Just World

[LetTimmySmoke]

Here are some facts:

Belief in a Just World: the tendency for people to believe the world is just. When this belief is threatened, people tend to blame the victim so that they can maintain their belief in a just world.

Positive self-illusions: People believe they have more control over their lives than they actually do.

This is basic psychology. You can find it any psychology textbook. The point is, these "get off your ass and get a job", "these people are all just lazy", "you have more control over your life than that" are all symptomatic of these psychological security blankets that people use. People need to believe these things because otherwise they can't deal with the world. It's just sad though that such beliefs lead to lack of compassion, victim-blaming, hate, and other negative social consequences. Until people recognize their bias, this behavior will only continue.

But beyond that, what interests me the most is this strange assumption that a poor person is poor because they are lazy, they did it to themselves and all the want to do is cheat the system. But a rich person is rich because they worked hard to get there, they are virtuous and would never cheat the system. Does is it not seem strange and illogical that the rich people -- who admittedly have a great deal of power in this country -- wouldn't take advantage of that power to solidify their power and riches? That in fact, they would be the ones who would cheat the system? And the poor, who have little no power, are probably not there on purpose? Afterall, if it's so easy to not be poor.. why isn't everyone rich?

The answer of course is that these ideas are touted merely to support people's belief in a just world. They have very little basis in reality.

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This was a comment on MSNBC's forums. Not by me.

[freshwest]

1. Thanks for bringing it here.

[ZombieHorde]

2. Recommended. nt

[grasswire]

3. interesting

I am having some questions about the nature of people due to a family situation. One person close to me is in a terrible spot with an ex and a bitter custody-related fight in courts. He was basically impoverished by divorce and is under attack by an ex who wants to strip him of his parental rights and who has misused the court system with malicious prosecution, and more.

No one who can in the family will step forward to help him retain a lawyer. Many of them could easily just whip out a debit card and loan him several thousand dollars. His own father continued his own pattern of turning his back on his children. Despite big talk about the nobility and tradition of this family, no one will do this. My sister suggested last night that I could sell a kidney to raise money.

I have felt on my own in this large family for quite a long time. I am the only family member who does not have a partner or an inheritance. I used to think family was everything. Maybe some families are, but maybe non-wasp families are more loyal and supportive.

It hurts very much.

[givemebackmycountry]

4. Kicked.

I know someone in a similar situation.
He works for me, and is working as much OT as I can feed him to resolve his dilemma.

I'm happy to help him out because I know it's not his fault.