René Girard's theory on collective violence and scapegoating

Human societies and cultures are based on forms of collective violence and acts of scapegoating./nGirard's idea is known as the surrogate victim-age mechanism./nHuman sacrifice and similar practices were ritualized forms of scapegoating in ancient religions./nGirard's hypothesis is supported by evidence from anthropology, socio-psychology, and literature./nMany communities and groups define their identities based on opposition and rejection of others.