Question

Is there a relationship between scapegoating and herd mentality? Explain.

Answer 1

Answer:

Scapegoating is the practice of singling out a person or group for unmerited blame and consequent negative treatment. Herd mentality describes how people can be influenced by their peers to adopt certain behaviors on a largely emotional, rather than rational, basis. So yes, in a way, there is a connection between the two simply based on their definitions.

Explanation:

Let’s use bullying as an example:

Jason and his “friends” are outside after lunch and one of his friends begins to pick on a younger, defenseless kid because they’re wearing glasses. Then, Jason and his other friends (that were not previously butting in) join the friend’s berating because Jason and his friends think it’ll make them look cool and sound intimidating, even though it is a very irrational idea.

Now, you have scapegoating. Luke singles out and tortures a kid because they’re not wearing the “most in” shoes. See the similarities?

Hope this helps!