21. Denial of Victimhood
Denying that others are true victims is a powerful way people justify harmful actions. By convincing themselves that their targets “deserve it” or are not really suffering, individuals can avoid feelings of guilt or responsibility. This mindset makes it far easier to inflict pain or injustice without remorse. As discussed in research from the American Psychological Association, denying victimhood is a common tactic that enables cruelty and perpetuates cycles of harm.