In a revealing interview on CBS News Sunday Morning, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry discussed the negative effects of cyberbullying and their efforts to promote online safety. The conversation offered a rare glimpse into their family life with children Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 3, and how their roles as parents drive their advocacy work.
“All you want to do as parents is protect them,” said Markle during the interview with host Jane Pauley. “So, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”
However, while the couple’s emphasis on cyber safety is notable, leading psychotherapist Gin Lalli has criticized what she calls Meghan Markle’s “perpetual victimhood” and warns that the public may grow tired of this narrative.
Perpetual Victimhood?
Lalli, speaking to Express.co.uk, expressed concerns about Markle’s approach: “It’s an interesting dynamic, which could be interpreted as a continuation of her portrayal as a victim in the public eye. This approach could be seen as an attempt to garner public sympathy by highlighting her own adversities. This is typical victimhood. It can take the focus away from the bigger picture.”
Lalli explained that a “victim’s narrative” often centers on personal struggles, creating a perception of ongoing victimhood. This tactic might be seen as a strategy to draw emotional support and reinforce a public image of someone enduring significant personal challenges. However, Lalli cautions that this narrative can become tiresome to the public.
“This might be perceived as a strategic move to draw emotional support and reinforce a public image as someone who has endured significant personal challenges,” she said. “This is fair enough, but it becomes tiring in the public’s eyes.”
Addressing Cyberbullying
Despite criticism, the Sussexes have been actively working on the issue of cyberbullying and digital safety. Earlier this year, Meghan Markle addressed the topic on Women’s Day, recounting her experiences as a victim of online harassment during her pregnancies with Archie and Lilibet.
“You really wrap your head around why people would be so hateful,” she said about the social media bullying she faced. “It’s not catty, it’s cruel.”
Last October, the couple’s Archewell Foundation hosted a mental health summit focused on keeping children safe in today’s digital landscape. The event included families who had lost children due to mental health struggles, some exacerbated by social media exposure.
Speaking at the summit, Meghan highlighted the responsibility of tech companies, saying: “The burden of this can’t solely be on the parents. A lot of the conversations we’ve had quietly behind the scenes with tech executives, they do feel that they’ve created parental controls and certain guardrails to curb this, but not all parents are tech-savvy and can navigate that, and there needs to be a better solution than that. You put in safeguards so when situations like this keep happening, you’re still working to keep people safe.”
Future Advocacy
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to continue their advocacy work with a controversial trip to Colombia in November, ahead of the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children.
Lalli acknowledges the legitimacy of the cyberbullying issue, noting, “It is important to recognize that cyberbullying is a legitimate and pressing issue that affects many individuals. In Meghan Markle’s case, while she has legitimate grievances about cyberbullying, repeatedly framing herself as a victim could overshadow her message and lead to skepticism about her motives. It could also distract from the broader issue of online harassment, which affects so many normal everyday people too.”
The Risks of the “Victim” Label
Lalli concludes that continually identifying as a victim can be problematic for several reasons: “It can undermine credibility, foster dependence, alienate supporters, distract from broader issues, and cause one to neglect personal growth.”
The debate over Meghan Markle’s approach underscores a broader conversation about the role of public figures in advocacy and the potential pitfalls of personal narratives in the public domain. As the Sussexes continue their work, the challenge will be balancing personal experiences with the pressing global issues they aim to address.
