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Writer's pictureYamit Armbrister

Scapegoating - Humans' Hobby

Throughout human history, people have sought and are looking for a scapegoat because it is the easiest solution to complex problems that are very difficult for us to solve. And since we fail to solve complex things, blaming others, especially someone specifically, is an eternal human pastime.


This tendency to find a scapegoat and throw all the world's troubles on him, her, or them, both simplifies complex problems and prevents real progress toward finding a solution.


True, it is very tempting to place all the blame on one person or a certain group because a scapegoat is a psychological defense mechanism that allows us to shift all the blame on a specific person, group or entity and it gives us some (completely superficial) sense of calm that we have found the culprit and if we just take the blame out of the equation we will find a solution to the problem. This is often due to a desire for simplicity versus the ability to truly deal with very complex situations, events, or problems. It is a lot more convenient and easier to pin problems to a specific entity or group than to deal with multi-responsible issues that we may also be a part, albeit small of the problem.


Hanging all our hopes that problems will be solved by a scapegoat is so simplistic because it eliminates the complexity of things and makes them seem simple while ignoring all the factors that contribute to the problem and so in fact even if the scapegoat is neutralized, the problem will not be solved. Furthermore, even then we will not admit it and look for a new scapegoat. Simply because we didn't solve the problem itself, we just dropped it on someone.


In addition, when you drop everything on a scapegoat, it leads to social division, because not everyone will agree with it, and it fosters a way of thinking of "we against them." It also hinders cooperation, understanding and resolution.


In complex situations and problems, despite the difficulty, a comprehensive analysis must be done, and instead of being tempted by the human hobby to find a scapegoat, it is worthwhile to invest time in reaching the root causes of the problem. True, sometimes it may change everything, including the way we live and our beliefs. True analysis raises questions of value, right and wrong, and can cause a revolutionary change in perceptions, but it can at least provide a fundamental basis for effective solutions.


Moreover, it creates a conscious society and informed citizens who understand the deep complexities and social, political, and familial challenges that do not fall on the fault of one individual or small group. This contributes to collective responsibility, dialogue, and constructive solutions.


So, it's true that it's easiest to find a scapegoat for complicated problems and this may be a human tendency, but if you really hope for real progress and a solution, you should break free of this pattern. It builds healthier and more resilient people, society, family who take responsibility and face challenges head-on instead of succumbing to the temptation of scapegoating the world's problems.


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