Victimhood Examined With Coming of Age

* Re “I Left the Left Behind, and the Politics of Victimhood,” Commentary, April 13: I am saddened to hear that the only thing Norah Vincent was able to gain from her participation in support groups or by uniting with others was a sense of acceptance of her own poor behavior. My experience has been the opposite. I feel that I am a stronger person and more capable of controlling my own environment because of my involvement with group efforts, such as “Take Back the Night” marches.

My personal definition of an adult is someone who listens to various perspectives, evaluates ideas and individuals in a thoughtful manner and recognizes that those people with whom she disagrees may still be worthy of respect--and as a result of these behaviors and characteristics, gains some sense of calm and happiness. Reading Vincent’s undiscriminating tirade against just about everyone involved in any sort of cause made me think she has some more growing up to do.

TIFFANIE HEBEN

Reseda

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To the down and out the right says, “Oh, grow up!” and the left says, “I feel your pain.” The fact that some members of the down and out need to grow up does not change the fact that they are in pain.

Vincent should not color the entire left with her own morbid motivations for leaving it. Unlike Vincent, I am a member of the left not because I am unsuccessful, bitter and need help but because I am successful, happy and want to give help.

Do all the people I help deserve it, or are they in need of the good swift kick in the pants that the right is always eager to give? Only God knows the answer to this question. In the meantime, until God tells us the answer: “Give to him that asketh of thee, and from him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away.”

CHRIS MITCHELL

Los Angeles