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Understanding Scapegoating in Politics and Resisting its Power

November 8, 2024

Why Scapegoating Works

Scapegoating isn’t just a political tactic; it’s a powerful social mechanism that simplifies complex issues, distracts from systemic problems, and reinforces current power structures. Here’s how it operates:

Simplifies Complex Issues: Blaming specific groups for societal problems creates a straightforward narrative that avoids the need for nuanced discussions or hard choices. It’s far simpler to say, “They’re the problem,” than to address systemic issues or consider uncomfortable changes.

Reinforces Power: Scapegoating enables those in power to sustain their influence by fostering division. Stoking fear and anger ensures people are too fragmented to organize against the leaders or demand real solutions.

Creates In-Group Solidarity: When leaders define an “enemy,” they foster a sense of unity and loyalty among their base, often tying it to identity or ideology. The idea that “we” are under attack strengthens bonds and shields those in power from criticism.

Why It’s Hard for People to “See the Light”

Many believe that as policies go into effect, those who support them will eventually recognize the harm. Unfortunately, this is often not the case due to a few influential psychological and social factors:

• Cognitive Dissonance: Admitting that one has been misled is difficult. It’s a blow to personal identity, challenging one’s sense of self and place in the world.
  
  
• Echo Chambers: Social media and partisan media amplify scapegoating narratives, reinforcing beliefs, and shielding people from alternative perspectives. These echo chambers allow people to remain in a bubble where they hear only what reinforces their views.
  
  
• Short-Term Gains or Perceived Protection: Some people may feel that they benefit from these policies or are “protected” by the targeting of others. This incentivizes them to look the other way, at least in the short term.
  
  

What Can Be Done?

Breaking the cycle of scapegoating is no easy task. It requires awareness, resilience, and community. Here are some steps we can take:

1. Expose the Mechanism: Educating ourselves and others about how scapegoating works is the first step to breaking its hold. Awareness allows people to recognize when they’re being manipulated and to question the narratives being pushed.
   
   
2. Build Solidarity Across Divides: Emphasizing shared humanity and common goals can help build connections that transcend the scapegoating narrative. When we reach across divides, it becomes harder for leaders to pit us against each other.
   
   
3. Hold Leaders Accountable: As policies go into effect, we must keep the focus on those responsible, resisting attempts to shift blame onto others. Pointing out who is truly behind the harm keeps the pressure where it belongs.
   
   
4. Support Vulnerable Communities: It is essential to stand with those being scapegoated. We can counter the isolation that scapegoating creates by offering protection, amplifying their voices, and advocating for their rights.
   
   

Staying Ready

As we move forward, we need to remain vigilant. This means recognizing the patterns of scapegoating as they emerge and staying committed to truth and justice, even when the narratives of blame grow louder.

History shows that scapegoating often precedes moments of great social tension. But it also indicates that solidarity, courage, and persistence can break through. We don’t have to play into the scapegoating cycle. Instead, we can prepare, stand together, and build a society that resists the pull of division and stands for all.

By understanding how scapegoating works and resisting its pull, we can create a strong, united, and resilient community—even when those in power seek to divide us. Let’s be ready, let’s be aware, and let’s stand up for each other.