Scapegoat: Targeted for Blame
Scapegoats are an intrinsic component of our lives. As Dr. Wilcox points out the concept of Scapegoating does seem to be one that is an inherent part of our culture. The scapegoat permits family's or even entire cultures a way to vent their anger at what are often their own failures, at some other individual or sub group.One interesting observation made in Scapegoat: Targeted For Blame is that the scapegoat quite often brings it upon himself through non conformity. By appearing slightly different either in dress or behavior he becomes a natural target.As Dr. Wilcox points out scapegoating can occur on horrific levels. The Jewish people being among the best well known. As the plague ravished France the French used the Jews as scapegoats for its spread, unknown numbers of Jews were slaughtered in cold blood. Adolf Hitler used a similar tactic in the prelude to the second world war, the Jews were targeted as the cause for almost every woe in Germany. Economic and social problems were laid firmly on their doorstep. -- Simon Barrett,Blogger News Network, January 19, 2010