Scapegoat

Detail of East Window, Lincoln Cathedral (14224253959)

William Holman Hunt - The Scapegoat

Error creating thumbnail:

Brooklyn Museum - Agnus-Dei The Scapegoat (Agnus-Dei. Le bouc émissaire.) - James Tissot

Scapegoat refers to an individual, group, or entity that is unfairly blamed for problems or negative outcomes, often to divert attention from the true causes or those actually responsible. The concept originates from ancient rituals, notably in the Jewish tradition, where a goat was symbolically burdened with the sins of the people and then sent into the wilderness, effectively removing the community's sins. This practice is described in the Book of Leviticus, part of the Hebrew Bible. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of contexts in psychology, sociology, and cultural studies, where it highlights mechanisms of blame-shifting and social injustice.

Origins and Historical Context

The term "scapegoat" has its roots in a ritual described in the Book of Leviticus (Leviticus 16:10), part of the Torah and the Old Testament. During the Yom Kippur ceremony, the High Priest of Israel would place the sins of the nation upon a goat, which was then sent into the wilderness, symbolically carrying away the community's iniquities. This ritual, known as the Azazel ceremony, underscores the concept of purification and collective absolution through the transfer of guilt.

Psychological and Sociological Perspectives

In psychology, the scapegoat theory examines the human tendency to project guilt, aggression, and responsibility onto others, often as a coping mechanism for dealing with guilt or failure. This behavior is closely related to the phenomena of bullying and prejudice, where individuals or groups are targeted for blame based on differences in power, status, or identity.

Sociologically, scapegoating is understood as a process that reinforces power structures and social hierarchies by marginalizing and oppressing certain groups. It is a common tactic in politics and media to unify a majority group by identifying a common enemy or outsider, thus diverting attention from more complex social or economic issues.

Cultural and Literary References

The concept of the scapegoat has been a potent motif in literature, mythology, and drama, serving as a symbol for the injustices and irrationalities of societal blame. Notable examples include the character of Oedipus in Sophocles' Oedipus Rex and the figure of Satan in John Milton's Paradise Lost, both of whom can be seen as scapegoats in their respective narratives.

Contemporary Usage

In modern discourse, the term "scapegoat" is often used to describe the practice of singling out individuals or groups for unmerited blame in various contexts, including the workplace, sports teams, and political scandals. This usage underscores the enduring relevance of the scapegoat mechanism as a tool for understanding and critiquing social dynamics and injustices.

See Also

• Bullying
• Prejudice
• Yom Kippur
• Book of Leviticus