#7 The Equalizer

 

#7 The Equalizer

"During a market rush, I was slipped a mix of real and counterfeit notes. The fake, masterfully crafted, was almost undetectable. I felt tricked but not defeated; after all, it could happen to anyone. My friends and I even shared a jest about it.

Then, there was Alex. Introduced to me online as a soldier narrating heartfelt struggles, our connection seemed genuine. Soon, he confided hunger pangs, pleading for urgent funds. The strings of my heart tugged, I promptly responded. The eventual revelation of his deceit cut deeper than the counterfeit cash. But why did the aftermath feel so different? Why did I laugh off one deception and internalize another?

Both instances were scams. Yet, society often minimizes the embarrassment of a 'simple' counterfeit but magnifies the shame of emotional fraud.

The truth? Deception doesn't discriminate. It can blind any of us, whether through crafty currency or touching tales." - Marlene

🔍 The Bigger Picture:

Deception wears many faces and selects no specific victim. It's the universal risk we all bear.

Emotional scars may feel deeper, but every scam, irrespective of its nature, exploits trust.

🛑 Rethinking Shame:

All forms of deceit are betrayals, so why the uneven weight of shame?

The onus shouldn’t be on the deceived, but on those who deceive.

🚨 Taking Action:

Speak out, irrespective of the nature of the scam. Your voice matters.

Approach every situation with vigilance but understand that vulnerability is not a flaw.

💡 Be Alert. Be Vocal. Shame the Deception, Not the Deceived.