Why Creatives Can Become Scapegoats

“I could not ask forgiveness for something I had not done.
As scapegoat, I could only bear the fault.””
— Daphne du Maurier, The Scapegoat

The very thing that makes them great creatives — their perceptiveness, emotional sensitivity, and attunement is the very thing that makes them a target: “It has been my observation that the {scapegoat} is often the most psychologically-minded, emotionally sensitive, intuitive, and ‘aware’ person.” (1)


Wounded but not weak

However, this doesn’t mean the scapegoat is a weak target. On the contrary, scapegoat researcher, Rebecca Mandeville, reminds us that on the Day of Atonement, Aaron had to choose a goat that was strong enough to carry the sins of the people into the harsh, unforgiving wilderness; and survive its mission. “It is therefore very important that I emphasize that the scapegoat in this story was the most robust, strongest goat in the herd. That’s why it was chosen.” (2)

Mini Podcast:

(3 minutes, 19 seconds)

Recommendations:

Sources:

(1) Rejected, Shamed, and Blamed; by Rebecca Mandeville

(2) ibid