Executive Summary
In this episode, I delve into some heavy topics that have been weighing on my mind, particularly the role of scapegoating and ritual sacrifice in human societies, as discussed by René Girard. Here’s what we covered:
Correction on Vaccination Study
I started by correcting a previous misinterpretation of a study on vaccinated individuals’ life expectancy. The study actually showed a slight decrease in survival time for vaccinated people, not a 37% decline in life expectancy as I had initially stated. It’s important to get these details right, and I appreciate the community for pointing out the error.
Mimetic Desire and Scapegoating
Girard’s theories on mimetic desire and the scapegoat mechanism were central to our discussion. Mimetic desire is when we desire what others desire, leading to rivalry and conflict. This often results in societies selecting a scapegoat to resolve these tensions, a process that’s both unconscious and deeply ingrained in human behavior.
Modern Implications
We explored how these ancient mechanisms play out in today’s world, particularly through cancel culture and the vilification of figures like Elon Musk. Musk, in this context, becomes a scapegoat for broader societal issues, from economic inequality to environmental concerns. This scapegoating doesn’t resolve conflicts but rather perpetuates them, as the Christian legacy of recognizing victim innocence prevents the traditional catharsis that scapegoating once provided.
Ritual Sacrifice and Social Order
Girard posits that ritual sacrifice was a way to control and channel violence within societies.
by richcabot