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Edrick Hid
English 104
Professor Dr. Sarah McLemore
June 27, 2016
Films like Heathers and Mean Girls suggest that micro-aggressions are the key components
within their plots, however an argument can be made to suggest that these films actually depict a
culture of victimhood in relation to micro-aggressions. With a broader understanding of victimhood, it
can be recognized by the public, as a potential outlier which can cause catastrophic consequences.
Micro-aggressions can be defined as offensive actions or comments which are indirect, subtle, or
unintentional causing discrimination against a certain non-dominant social group. A culture of
victimhood can be described as the need to overemphasize victimization in order to express subjugation
that can derive from different conflicts in pursuance of sympathy and attention. This is associated with
insults and slight whether intentional or not. These two terms undoubtedly have a positive correlation,
they complement each other, the end result being devastating for all individuals involved. In their article
“…” sociologist Bradley Campbell and Jason Manning represent these implications, “the same conditions
that lead the aggrieved to use a tactic against their adversaries encourage their adversaries to use a
tactic as well. (pg. 702)” The parties involved resort to micro-aggressions which in turn results in a
culture of victimhood and promoting a perpetual cycle of conflict. A resolution may lie in preventing
victimhood by introducing a culture of dignity. Within dignity cultures, there is an emphasis on tolerance
and self-restraint. Campbell and Manning describe it in terms such as the “ethic of toleration or peaceful
confrontation”, and when dealing with the intolerable “direct but non-violent actions.” Comparing these
two cultures, there is substantial evidence suggesting that society needs to implement a more dignified
aspect towards conflict, rather than a culture of victimhood.
(paragraph on victimhood, dignity and honor – how they are related and currently apply to my essay)
Mean Girls seems to depict a clear plot and objective centralized on the main protagonist, when
daring to look outside the box, hidden motifs and symbolic messages arise in support of victimhood by
different supporting cast members. The character Janis Ian, portrayed by Lizzy Caplan, when critically
analyzed may have played a major role within the film. She was a victim of indirect and micro-aggression
by Regina which was portrayed by Rachel McAdams. Years after the incident, it may have been assumed
under a culture of dignity that Janis would have reconciled with her tormentor or found solace within
her own life by letting go and ignoring what occurred. However, the manifestation to enact revenge
comes from an innate feeling to express how she was victimized. In this case it took shape of micro
aggressions, until she was fully capable of producing social and indirect aggression. Janis expressed her
