Just-World Hypothesis: The Blame Game
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Melvin LernerContributor
Defense Mechanism
We want to believe the world is safe. If a random person gets hit by a car, it is terrifying. So we say, “They shouldn’t have been walking there.” By blaming the victim, we protect our illusion that “if I am good, I will be safe.”
Reality
The universe is indifferent. Bad things happen to good people. Accepting this requires courage.
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Melvin Lerner
Editorial DeskThe OIYO editorial desk researches money, law, lifestyle, and self-understanding topics against primary sources and public statistics. Every piece carries source notes and is reviewed on a regular cycle for accuracy and usefulness.