We often like to think of ourselves as unique individuals, almost like “little gods.” However, it can be unsettling to realize that our desires might not be entirely our own. We are heavily influenced by the desires of others, especially those of our parents. Recognizing this requires a bit of humility.
Humans naturally sort people into “insiders” and “outsiders.” This helps maintain group identity and social bonds but can lead to harmful cycles of blame. Scapegoating happens when someone is unfairly blamed for problems, often based on minor differences. Once a scapegoat is identified, it becomes easier for the group to accept this blame, continuing a cycle of accusation and exclusion.
René Girard, a well-known French thinker, spent much of his life studying human behavior. He proposed that our desires are mimetic, meaning we copy the desires of others from birth. This imitation is especially strong in groups, leading to the scapegoat mechanism. As more people join in, it becomes easier to believe in the scapegoat’s guilt.
Scapegoats serve a specific role in society. When people face uncomfortable truths, they often shift the blame to a scapegoat, thinking that removing this target will solve their problems. This can provide a sense of relief, allowing people to avoid facing their own shortcomings. Throughout history, times of social unrest have often led to the identification of scapegoats, who are blamed for societal issues.
Scapegoating is usually an unconscious process. If people realized they were scapegoating, the relief it provides would disappear. Scapegoats can be chosen randomly or because they slightly differ from societal norms, making them easy targets. Interestingly, whether a scapegoat is guilty or innocent often doesn’t matter; even innocent people can effectively play this role.
A modern example of scapegoating is the death penalty. Executing individuals on death row often serves a mimetic purpose beyond their actual guilt or innocence. The rituals surrounding capital punishment, like media coverage and last meals, suggest a deeper, almost sacred aspect to scapegoating. Society may feel a sense of justice or closure when a scapegoat is punished, allowing them to move on.
Scapegoating isn’t just a historical phenomenon; it happens in everyday life too. Examples include sports fans blamed for a team’s loss or employees scapegoated at work. The media and politics are full of scapegoating, with new targets appearing almost daily.
Despite how common scapegoating is, people often don’t see their own roles in this cycle. It’s important to think about who the scapegoats are in our lives and societies. Who carries the burden of our collective desires and frustrations? By examining the systems of desire we live in, we can better understand the dynamics of blame and responsibility in our communities.
In conclusion, the scapegoat mechanism is a powerful aspect of human behavior, deeply embedded in our social structures and psychological processes. Understanding this phenomenon can lead to greater awareness and potentially foster more compassionate interactions within our communities.
Engage in a role-playing activity where you and your classmates simulate a group dynamic that leads to scapegoating. Assign roles such as group leader, scapegoat, and bystanders. Reflect on how it feels to be in each role and discuss the emotions and behaviors observed during the exercise.
Research a historical event where scapegoating played a significant role. Present your findings to the class, focusing on the societal conditions that led to scapegoating and the consequences for the scapegoat and the community. Discuss how understanding these events can inform current social dynamics.
Analyze a recent news story or media portrayal involving scapegoating. In small groups, discuss the mimetic desires at play and how the scapegoat mechanism is used to shift blame. Share your insights with the class and explore potential solutions to mitigate scapegoating in media.
Write a reflective journal entry about a time when you witnessed or participated in scapegoating, either consciously or unconsciously. Consider the factors that contributed to this behavior and how it affected the individuals involved. Reflect on how you can recognize and challenge scapegoating in your own life.
Create a visual representation (e.g., a collage, drawing, or digital artwork) that illustrates the concept of mimetic desire and the scapegoat mechanism. Use your artwork to convey how desires are influenced by others and how scapegoats are identified. Present your project to the class and explain your creative process.
Desire – A strong feeling of wanting to have something or wishing for something to happen, often considered a driving force in human behavior and decision-making. – In philosophical discussions, desire is often examined as a fundamental motivator that influences ethical choices and personal fulfillment.
Scapegoat – An individual or group that is unfairly blamed for problems or negative outcomes, often to divert attention from the true causes. – In sociology, the concept of a scapegoat is used to explain how societies may channel collective frustration onto a marginalized group.
Dynamics – The forces or properties that stimulate growth, development, or change within a system or process, often analyzed in social interactions and structures. – The dynamics of power within a society can significantly affect the distribution of resources and opportunities among its members.
Group – A collection of individuals who interact with one another, share similar characteristics, and collectively have a sense of unity or identity. – Sociologists study how group dynamics influence individual behavior and societal norms.
Blame – The act of holding someone or something responsible for a fault or wrong, often explored in ethical and social contexts. – Philosophers debate the extent to which individuals can be held accountable for actions influenced by societal pressures, questioning the fairness of blame.
Mimetic – Relating to imitation or mimicry, often used in philosophical and sociological theories to describe how individuals and societies replicate behaviors and desires. – Mimetic theory suggests that human desires are not innate but are learned through the imitation of others.
Society – A structured community of individuals bound together by shared institutions, traditions, and values, often analyzed in terms of its influence on individual behavior and identity. – The role of education in shaping a society’s values and norms is a central topic in sociological studies.
Behavior – The actions or reactions of individuals or groups in response to external or internal stimuli, often examined in the context of social norms and cultural expectations. – Understanding human behavior is crucial for developing effective social policies and interventions.
Responsibility – The state or fact of having a duty to deal with something or of having control over someone, often discussed in ethical and social contexts regarding accountability and moral obligations. – In philosophy, the concept of responsibility is central to debates about free will and moral agency.
Culture – The shared beliefs, customs, arts, and institutions of a group of people, often analyzed for its role in shaping social behavior and identity. – Anthropologists study how culture influences the way societies develop and interact with one another.
