The Scapegoat Mechanism and the Role of Cancel Culture in Modern Society

Touching upon the scapegoat mechanism and its significance in today's world, this article delves into its rudiments and how it intersects with phenomena like cancel culture. We will explore why it matters, particularly through the lens of mimetic theory, and explain why focusing on the details of a person's actions is a misdirection from understanding the underlying social processes at play.

Understanding the Scapegoat Mechanism

The scapegoat mechanism, a concept rooted in psychological and sociological studies, is a tool that allows a group to transfer blame and achieve a variety of practical ends, such as internal peace, social cohesion, and order.

Key Points:

Blame is transferred to a single individual or group (the scapegoat). The actions of the scapegoat and the process by which they are punished are seen as independent, with no proportional relationship implied. The importance lies in the social process leading to the scapegoat's demise, not in the individual or their actions.

The Mimetic Process: Beyond Guilt and Responsibility

In the context of mimetic theory, the mimetic process explains how social contagion and imitation drive collective behaviors. This theory posits that the scapegoat is not chosen based on guilt or proportionality, but rather through a seemingly random selection process which creates a group dynamic around the scapegoat.

Application:

Consider the biblical passage in the Gospel of John, where Jesus faces a crowd demanding the death of a woman caught in adultery. The focus is not on her guilt but on the mimetic process of blame and division she represents. The mimetic process operates independently of the woman's crime, reflecting a broader social reality where blame and punishment are redistributed regardless of proportionality.

Loosely analogizing, the scapegoat mechanism can be thought of as a social technology that serves practical ends regardless of the individuals it consumes. The key shift is understanding that the process is designed to redistribute blame and consequences, rather than addressing the specific actions of the individual.

Cancel Culture: A Modern Expression of the Scapegoat Mechanism

Today, cancel culture is a stark manifestation of the scapegoat mechanism. When a public figure is 'canceled,' it's not about addressing past wrongs in proportion, but about expunging perceived offenses to maintain social cohesion and order.

Modern Examples and Analysis:

Elizabeth Holmes, Alexi McCammond, and Louis C.K.: In calling these individuals out, the focus often shifts to their actions rather than understanding the wider social processes that lead to their 'cancellation.' Horrific Mass Shootings: Media and public attention typically center on the shooter and gun laws, missing the underlying mimetic process that feeds and perpetuates such violence. Canceling Trends: Noting Bill Maher's bafflement at the rapidity and unpredictability of public outrage, it becomes evident that society is driven by self-preservation through the destabilization and subsequent criticism of others.

The so-called 'goalposts' of public opinion and outrage shift rapidly, reflecting the underlying need to maintain social order through the elimination of perceived threats. This is driven by a parasitic cycle where self-preservation is achieved by the destruction of an 'other.'

Conclusion

The scapegoat mechanism, when understood through the lens of mimetic theory, reveals a broader, more disturbing reality. It underscores the continuous need for public figures to face condemnation and social ostracization for the benefit of maintaining social harmony. While it is crucial to acknowledge and learn from past actions, the prioritization of these should not undermine the deeper, more pervasive systems of blame and consequence redistribution that drive social dynamics.

Understanding the scapegoat mechanism is key to navigating today's complex social landscape where the lines between individual responsibility and collective social processes blur.