Exploring the Intricacies of Identity and Exploitation in “Victim”
In an era where the discourse of diversity and social justice reverberates through the corridors of academia and the boardrooms of corporate America, a provocative new novel emerges to challenge our perceptions of victimhood and authenticity. “Victim,” the debut novel by author Boryga, introduces us to Javi, a young man from the Bronx whose life is marred by tragedy and systemic oppression.
Javi’s journey begins with the harrowing murder of his father, a Puerto Rican drug dealer. This event marks a turning point, as Javi discovers that his newfound status as a victim grants him certain privileges, such as skipping school. The exploitation of his story takes a more calculated turn when a guidance counsellor from an affluent private school encourages him to use his personal history as fodder for a college admissions essay. This ploy catapults Javi into the elite echelons of higher education and sets him on a path to becoming a professional writer.
However, Javi’s ascent is built on a foundation of deceit. His writings on the lived experiences of oppressed minority groups in America are largely fabrications, tailored to appease a society hungry for tales of diversity and adversity. As he learns the language of critical race theory, Javi becomes adept at manipulating his narrative to fit the expectations of an audience eager to align themselves with social justice causes.
The novel’s complexity is further enriched by excerpts from Javi’s published works, which are presented as heavy-handed and cliché-ridden. Yet, these passages force readers to confront an uncomfortable question: would we recognize the inauthenticity of Javi’s writing if it weren’t juxtaposed against the superior prose of the novel, or if we weren’t aware of its exploitative nature?
“Victim” holds up a mirror to a society that commodifies personal tragedy while simultaneously championing authenticity. It challenges readers to consider their own potential complicity in a system that is all too willing to consume stories of suffering without scrutinizing their veracity. Through Javi’s tale, Boryga weaves an unsettling web of ideas that makes “Victim” not just a compelling narrative, but an important commentary on contemporary culture.
