René Girard's concept of the scapegoat revolves around the idea of mimetic desire and the resulting social conflicts. When desires converge on the same object, rivalry and violence ensue.

To restore order, societies often single out a scapegoat—an individual or group blamed for the chaos. The scapegoat's expulsion or sacrifice creates a temporary sense of unity and peace.

Girard argues this mechanism underpins many cultural and religious rituals, masking the violence inherent in human societies. Key works: *Violence and the Sacred*, *The Scapegoat*.

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The scapegoat, in Girard's framework, is typically an individual or group perceived as different, marginal, or weak—someone who can be easily blamed without significant resistance. Historically, this could be a foreigner, a minority, a political dissident, or even a "witch" in certain contexts.

The key is that the scapegoat is a symbolic target, chosen not for actual guilt, but because their sacrifice can diffuse collective tension and restore social cohesion. Girard sees this pattern recurring in myths, religious texts, and even modern societal conflicts.

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Certainly. In Girard's framework, scapegoating is a recurring mechanism to resolve societal tensions. Here are a few examples:

1. Ancient Myths: In Greek mythology, Oedipus is blamed for the plague in Thebes, despite his ignorance of his actions. His expulsion restores order.

2. Religious Texts: In the Bible, Jesus is crucified as a scapegoat to absolve societal sins, embodying the innocent victim whose sacrifice brings peace.

3. Witch Hunts: In medieval Europe, women accused of witchcraft were scapegoated for societal ills like crop failures or disease, uniting communities through their persecution.

4. Modern Politics: Minority groups, immigrants, or political dissidents are often scapegoated during crises (e.g., Jews in Nazi Germany, or Muslims post-9/11), diverting blame and reinforcing group cohesion.

These examples illustrate how scapegoating serves as a tool to redirect collective anxiety and restore perceived order.

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