Why is the VICTIM Mindset So Attractive? - Baggage Claim

[Music] why is it so hard for me to be happy Ava wondered looking at herself in the mirror other people have it figured out why can't I I don't like my job I don't get along with my family and I can't find love is it me am I the problem yes replied her reflection there is a lot you should be doing that you don't there's a lot you could be changing but you won't it was her reflection who spoke back to her but it looked different it was Ava but not quite it was harder tougher somehow she was taking a back this is not what she wanted to hear how could she be the problem you don't understand she stammered it's not my fault things are never easy for me I always get the raw end of the deal it doesn't matter every everybody has at heart the reflection was Stern and determined you have to find a way to work through it Ava shook her head no you don't understand what I'm going through you're right but this reply came from a new source startled she looked around and she saw a different reflection altogether it was her but again different this girl was smiling warmly back at her with so much love and concern in her eyes nobody understands you said the reflection you're incredible wonderful beautiful it isn't your fault that your life is not going your way stop blaming yourself and don't let others blame you I see you for what you are absolutely perfect don't you dare let them change you Ava was overcome with relief she would have denied it a moment ago but this was exactly what she was yearning aching to hear but her Joy was interrupted don't listen to that called her first reflection you know I'm telling you the truth the only path to happiness is to look within and figure out what you could be doing to make your life better no Ava said confidently I don't need to change everyone else is the problem not me that's right said her new reflection and she beckoned her forward come I have so much to show you and Ava followed eagerly climbing through to meet her reflection and suddenly she was surrounded by people all clamoring to touch her and smiling with enthusiasm look there's so many people that love you for who you are and they're all just like you they've been suffering just like you and they need you they need your voice together all of you can do so much good for the world there are far greater issues that need your attention you're so right why am I worrying about what I could change about my life when the world needs me the other people nodded in agreement and pulled Ava into their ranks and they All Cried Out shaking signs in the air what do we do stand up back what do we do stand up F back what do we do stand up you need to change it was Ava's Dreadful boss and as usual he was yelling at her your work isn't good enough this is your last warning I told you I told you you were not working hard enough and now you might lose your job Ava felt overwhelmed at the sight of the judgmental face maybe you're right she admitted maybe I need to no don't listen to that your boss is a terrible person he wants to keep you down and he has never appreciated your work why should you have to change you're perfect he's the problem he needs to change yes she cried with sudden relief he's had it out for me from day one you're right who cares about this job anyway there are bigger problems in the world that need me yes the world needs you it needs your voice and again she was surrounded by people smiling encouragingly at her and she smiled back and picked up a sign and joined the protesters as they shouted do we want Justice do we wi so what do you do Ava was on a date oh I'm in between jobs right now she said a little embarrassed my boss was constantly out to get me so I stormed into his office one day and told him exactly what I thought of him in his stupid work oh her date responded clearly he felt a little awkward but I'm very passionate about activism she added there's so much wrong with the world today that I feel compelled to do something about it I mean no one with the conscience could just sit on the sidelines right he nodded some more there's so much Injustice in the world she went on there's nothing worse than a person who just chooses to do nothing so how did the date go her reflection inqu quired it was fine any chance of a second date no she replied you know you shouldn't have been talking down to him and lecturing him all night and telling him how you quit your job it made you look so frivolous I wasn't lecturing him was I she suddenly felt embarrassed and Afraid maybe I shouldn't have no you weren't called out her encouraging reflection you were educating him and it's your duty to educate people like that yes exactly she said emphatically besid he was probably intimidated by someone with strong opinions this always happens to me and she easily brushed away her fears why does it matter what he thinks of you he doesn't understand how amazing you are besides you have a higher purpose that's right he's insignificant Ava said confidently again she found herself surrounded by nodding affirming faces who took her into their fold as they once more chanted sweetheart your dad and I wanted talk to you it was Ava's parents we know you've been going through a really difficult time but we don't like the way you've been treating us we're tired of your constant lecturing it has to stop what how can you say that to me you know how much pain I'm going through I've lost my job I'm running out of money everything in my life is falling apart and all you and Dad can think about is yourselves besides I'm not lecturing you I've been trying to educate you you should be thanking me your parents are just trying to tell you that your behavior is hurting them her reflection intervened just because you're going through a hard time doesn't mean you get to mistreat everyone in your life Ava shook with anger why is it that you always take everyone else's side why are you always against me because you're in the wrong no I'm not she said quietly you're miserable you have no career you have no relationships not even with your mother and father I don't want to hear it you keep blaming everyone else you're refusing to see the truth that you are the problem I said I don't want to hear it I am trying to help you no you're not you're trying to destroy me just leave me alone the mirror was silent just staring back at her with the same harsh expression Ava you don't need anybody else Ava smiled with relief it was the voice she was hoping for we have everything right here said her encouraging smiling reflection that's right she said smiling back you're amazing you're perfect don't ever let anyone try to change you thank you you understand me the rest of them they they just don't get it they keep trying to put me in this box and I'm sick of it I'm sick of having to call constantly explain myself they just don't understand what I have to go through and I shouldn't have to change for anyone I'm amazing you're perfect said her reflection smiling ear to ear exactly I shouldn't have to change to fit their idea of an acceptable version of me you're perfect repeated the reflection unchanged yeah Ava replied her grin fading a little the world needs you it needs your voice yes Ava said softly yes she said her voice a little stronger now the world needs me and she picked up a sign and walked to the crowd of protesters and joined in their shouting what do we do stand up fight what do we do stand up fight back what do we do stand up back but the chanting was growing softer and Ava could feel fear washing over her fear she had managed to keep at Bay for so long was suddenly too much to bear and she fell to the floor I'm running out of money she whispered it's not your fault said her reflection the eyes were full of sympathy my family hates me they don't understand you smiled her reflection I'm miserable you're perfect her reflection reached out a hand to her stop saying that Ava said you're incredible stop it she commanded you're perfect stop it she shouted and she sprang to the mirror and slammed her fists into the smiling sympathizing unchanging face the mirror shattered and the voice stopped the room was dark and Silent now what the hell was she supposed to do now she fell to her knees and sobbed into her hands I don't know what to do please help me what do I need to do please tell me there's a lot it was a familiar voice Ava stopped crying and looked up she saw the distant reflection and desperately ran over to it tell me she cried out wiping her tears tell me what do I need to do there's a lot are you finally ready to hear it Ava paused thinking carefully I'm I'm scared she finally said what if I can't change and I can't fix my life I'll have no one to blame but myself the harsh face softened for the first time at least you will have tried said a reflection and reached out to her Ava took a deep breath and nodded she took the profer hand and allowed herself to be pulled forward climbing through she felt the gentle weight of an arm around her shoulder and we'll do it together this story was written and narrated by baggage claim if you're interested in content exploring our current cultural issues and how we can move forward to a better future check out the baggage claim Channel and be sure to subscribe link is in the description thank you so much for watching and a big thank you to after school