Chaos Breeds Scapegoats

Scapegoating is often a random and irrational process, where accusations gain momentum, leading to the collective vilification and brutal punishment of an individual, regardless of their actual guilt. Historical examples, such as Socrates, the persecutions during the Black Death, and McCarthyism illustrate the recurring theme of societies seeking a singular source of evil to blame during chaotic times. This need for a scapegoat reflects humanity's desire for cathartic release and the restoration of peace, often resulting in the violent expulsion or murder of the designated victim, who may not be fully guilty of the charges against them. The mechanism of scapegoating highlights a deep-rooted tendency in human societies to find comfort in consensus and the illusion of identifying a single culprit for complex societal problems.