political scapegoating

Political scapegoating occurs when leaders or groups blame certain individuals, communities, or organizations for problems or challenges facing society, often to divert attention from their own shortcomings or complex issues. This tactic simplifies complex situations by assigning blame to a specific group, fostering fear or resentment, and uniting others against that group. It can undermine rational debate and social cohesion, as the real causes remain unaddressed while the targeted group becomes unjustly responsible for broader issues. In essence, scapegoating uses blame as a political tool to manipulate public perception and shift responsibility away from those in power.