SCAPEGOAT
This is part 3 of my series on Scapegoating. I began this series with the question, “What is going on in this country and church?” I answered this question with Scapegoating. Next, I defined Scapegoating. To put it succinctly Scapegoating is, when one group or individual (usually those in power) blames another group or person for the trouble or hardship in the world.
Why do groups or individuals scapegoat?
Here is one explanation as to why scapegoating occurs.
For individuals, scapegoating is a psychological defense mechanism of denial through projecting responsibility and blame on others. [2] It allows the perpetrator to eliminate negative feelings about him or herself and provides a sense of gratification. ... The scapegoated provide a ready explanation for troubles.
Some phrases that stand out:
~ Defense mechanism
~ Denial through projecting responsibility and blame on others
~ perpetrator eliminate negative feelings about him or herself
~ scapegoated provide a ready explanation for troubles.
So, why do people scapegoat? It is to keep power and to feel better about themselves. It is usually the ones in power who scapegoat the perceived weak and the vulnerable. And it is all done so that they can keep the perceived power that they have and to make themselves feel alive and like they matter. In addition, they do not want to take responsibility for their own feelings and behaviors. To put it simply the powerful scapegoat to keep the perceived power that they have and to convince themselves that they are important.
I believe that it is important to note that the perceived weak, the vulnerable, and oppressed do not scapegoat. Rather, they shine on a light on the fact that those in power are abusing their supposed superiority. It is the oppressed that point the light of injustices done by those in power.
So, what does it take to stop scapegoating?
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