🎯 Learning Objectives By the end of this lecture, you will: Understand the concept of political victimhood as a rhetorical strategy. Identify how Republicans use perceived oppression to energize their base. Examine historical and modern examples of “reverse persecution” narratives. Learn how victim language transforms political power into grievance. Recognize this tactic in media, policy, and campaign language. Gain critical thinking tools to defuse manipulative victim narratives in daily life. I. Introduction: The Paradox of Power and Persecution There’s a strange pattern in Republican messaging: ➡️ They often hold majorities in state governments, control key institutions, dominate conservative media, and have enormous cultural influence in many parts of the country. ✅ Yet they constantly present themselves — and their supporters — as victims . Victims of: Liberal elites The media Academia Hollywood Tech companies “The deep state” I...