1 st Annual On Course Conference St. Louis, MO March 22-24, 2006 Music to My Ears: Identifying and Revising Victim Language in Popular Music Tracy L. Davis Karen Y. Jackson Miami University Middletown Session 7E

“victim” vs. “Victim” “v” = Someone that is acted on and usually adversely affected by a force or agent (1) : one that is injured, destroyed, or sacrificed under any of various conditions

“victim” vs. “Victim” “V” = When people do what they’ve been doing expecting a different outcome.

What do “V” victims look like? Victims make excuses Victims blame Victims complain Victims repeat ineffective behaviors Victims “have to” do things Victims pretend their problems belong to others Victims “try” Victims give up

Why is it so easy to become a “V” victim? Hit with a double blow of negativity from your “Inner Critic” and “Inner Defender” Inner Critic: criticizes and blames us for all that goes wrong: If you had just……, I knew you couldn’t do it because you are…….. Or, that idea Is stupid….. Inner Defender: Seeks to avoid criticism by deflecting it outwardly by blaming outside circumstance, people or situations: I could have done it but they……, I would have been able to but I had to…….

One Lone Voice in the Wind Creator Voice

“Creators” Creators: Change their beliefs, behaviors, attitudes or environment to create a different, often better outcome

What do Creators Look Like Creators seek solutions Creators accept responsibility Creators take action Creators try something new Creators “choose to” do things Creators own their problems (refer to “I”) Creators commit and follow through Creators take control of their choices and their lives

Why is this critical to the success of our students? This is a foundation builder for student success…..PERIOD!! ! If they can’t name what’s going on, then they can ignore it….They will forever dwell in the “I don’t know” trap.

How do we spread the word? Role playing TV Sitcoms Movies Music