What is a scapegoat?

A scapegoat is a person or group of people who are unfairly blamed for something that they did not do. The term comes from ancient Jewish tradition, where a goat would be chosen and symbolically loaded with the sins of the community, before being driven out into the wilderness to die, taking the sins with it.

In modern society, scapegoating is often used as a way of deflecting blame and avoiding responsibility. People may be unfairly singled out and blamed for problems or failures that are not their fault, in order to protect others from criticism.

Scapegoating can lead to feelings of isolation, anger, and injustice for the individuals or groups who are targeted. It is also a form of bigotry and discrimination, as it often involves stereotypes and prejudices being used to justify the blaming of a particular group.

Recognizing and avoiding scapegoating is an important part of creating a fair and just society. It requires empathy, critical thinking, and a willingness to take responsibility for one's own actions and mistakes.