Targets of displacement are often less powerful or threatening than the original source of anger. Political leaders may recognize and exploit this tendency. For example, a politician may gin up anger and frustration about people’s economic status and redirect that anger onto a scapegoat with less power, such as a racial minority.
This tactic allows leaders to divide the population and divert anger that may have been directed at government leadership towards the group of their choosing, which can strengthen and maintain authority.