Question

Is “blaming the victim” a factor as to why My Lai massacre occurred?

Answer 1

The My Lai massacre refers to the war crime which was committed by the American soldiers against unarmed civilians mostly women Andy children in the village of My Lai during the Vietnam War in 1968. The US forces were ordered by their higher officials to carry out encounters against civilians who were suspected of supporting the Enemy Vien Cong guerilla forces. However, despite not finding any soldiers or ammunition in the village after the combing operation, the soldiers went ahead with the orders and began shooting innocent women and children.

The incidence thus exemplifies the psychological phenonemneon of obedience to authority rather than blaming the victim.