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School Library Journal Review

Gr 10 Up-This series entry discusses the issue of "victimhood" and its influence on American society, the civil rights movement, the recovery movement, and the justice system. Contrasting views are presented between those who denounce the decay of personal responsibility in American culture and those who are concerned that rhetoric about victimization is eroding society's support for the feminist and civil-rights agendas. Compassion fatigue, political correctness, victimhood competition, repressed memory, talk-show exploitation, "abuse excuse," and other topics are explored in these articles by writers, lawyers, and other opinion makers. The essays are well organized, and the summary paragraphs and questions for consideration at the beginning of each article are especially helpful. Writing that is detailed, intensely argumentative, and loaded with professional jargon may discourage some students. However, those motivated to plow through this title will find it a rich resource for research papers and debates. A periodicals bibliography that supplements the diverse views presented and a list of organizations to contact are included.-Judith L. Miller, formerly at Indianapolis-Marion County Public Library, IN (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Booklist Review

Gr. 9-12. "American life is increasingly characterized by the plaintive insistence, I am a victim." This Charles J. Sykes quote introduces this Opposing Viewpoints series title, a truly fascinating volume that explores the rise of victimhood in America and speculates on its causes: the civil-rights movement, drug therapy/recovery programs, and even the criminal justice system. Subsumed under these broad issues are intriguing debates about such controversial topics as political correctness and talk shows. The book's selections have been reprinted from current periodicals, speeches, and books, each elaborating or countering a chapter's major premise. A sprinkling of cartoons, pull-quotes, and periodical bibliographies at the end of each chapter lightens and further expands this dense but engaging resource, which will be used primarily for research or debates but should be considered for thought-provoking reading from beginning to end. (Reviewed December 15, 1996)1565104013Frances Bradburn