“Bad news sells” is a common phrase in the media industry and a representation of our society. The spotlight on the dark spots of our society brings about change and creates awareness among the general public on some of the dangers they might be exposed to. As the spotlight shines on the issues, victims are usually found there either victims of various forms of abuse, malice, etc. “A victim is a person harmed, injured, or killed as a result of a crime, accident, or other event or action.”  It may take time for the particular individual to heal from the pain and trauma inflicted upon them. But for some, they use this trauma to inflict pain on others through “playing the victim card.” This is the act of exaggerating the extent of the individual’s victimhood to gain sympathy, manipulate others, seek attention, and justify abuse or use it as a strategy to evade taking any form of responsibility.

In our lives at one point or another, we might have encountered this type of individual. Better yet if you look in the mirror you might realize you might have played this card as well. But you, yes you reading this you abide by this behaviour. The over-emphasis on a problem without offering solutions is not helping anyone to heal or move forward. But actually, ignite sympathy in the eyes of society. The “woiye” mentally creeps into some because that’s what we have accustomed them to. This leads to the “entitlement” or better “excuses” that life is not fair because of XYZ, “I am mean because of ABCD.” We don’t address the problem and heal the individuals we create a menace. Too much of everything is poisonous and too much sympathy is a continuous cold stab at the self-worth and identity of a victim.

Sympathy is okay but it won’t help anyone heal. It is better to walk with someone through the journey of healing by reassuring them, being there for them, and offering them a way out.