Radio Maria England THE FRIARSIDE - Fr Toby - Click-Creating a Violent Culture from the Safety of Your Phone/Home
Jan 21, 2026
Fr Toby dives into René Girard's theories to explore the surge of violence in the West. He delves into mimetic desire, explaining how imitation fuels rivalry and unrest. The dangers of scapegoating for social harmony are highlighted, with Christ's teachings presented as a challenge to these cycles of violence. He discusses the impact of click culture on violent behavior and emphasizes personal responsibility and forgiveness as tools to break destructive patterns. A thought-provoking mix of philosophy and faith invites listeners to reflect on modern violence.
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Desire Is Social, Not Solo
- René Girard explains that our desires are mimetic: we copy desires of those we admire and seek a metaphysical "fullness of being."
- This explains chronic dissatisfaction when possessions or achievements fail to deliver lasting fulfilment.
Scapegoating Keeps Order — Until Christ
- Girard links rising social violence to scapegoating: communities unite by blaming an outsider to restore peace.
- The Gospels expose the scapegoat's innocence, undermining that violent mechanism and transforming society.
Shooter Imitation Across Political Lines
- Cynthia Haven recounted two 2019 US mass shootings where the second shooter imitated the first despite differing politics.
- Social media amplified fascination with shootings and erased easy partisan narratives about motive.
