A few tentative thoughts, comments welcome.
When society unravels, it has a nasty habit of pointing fingers—searching for someone to blame, someone to shoulder the weight of our collective failures. This is scapegoating, an age-old tactic that still thrives. The recent UK riots showed this dynamic in action, with refugees and the white working class thrown under the bus and blamed for issues far beyond their control. If we take a step back and view this through a lens of justice, inclusion, and peacemaking, we’ll see that scapegoating is nothing but a smokescreen, keeping us from addressing what truly needs fixing.
Scapegoating: The Same Old Trick
Scapegoating isn’t new; it’s a tactic as old as time. French thinker René Girard explained it well: our desires lead to envy and rivalry, and when tensions rise, society looks for a scapegoat—someone to bear the blame. It’s a quick fix, a way to vent frustration, but it never actually solves the problem.
This playbook is well-worn: media and politicians find a convenient target when things go south. It’s a move designed to keep the peace by sacrificing someone else’s peace. But this isn’t about peacekeeping; it’s about dodging the truth and keeping power where it’s comfortable.
Refugees: The Latest Scapegoats in Britain
Right now, refugees are the prime targets in Britain. With the economy faltering, it’s easy to blame newcomers for everything—job losses, public service strain, even the so-called "British way of life." It’s a simplistic narrative that’s sold to those already feeling the pinch. When you’re squeezed, it’s tempting to see the new faces in your neighborhood as the cause of your troubles.
But let’s cut through the noise. This isn’t just about frustrated people; it’s a manufactured narrative pushed by media and politicians. News outlets paint refugees as invaders, using language designed to stoke fear and anger. They talk about "floods" of immigrants, creating a sense of crisis, while the real economic issues remain hidden. This isn’t journalism; it’s narrative shaping, turning complex problems into dangerous myths.
The former government’s “Stop the Boats” campaign is a prime example. The slogan framed refugees as a threat that needs stopping, reducing real human beings with stories and struggles to a problem that needs solving. This tactic deflects attention from the real sources of inequality and unrest.
White Working Class Scapegoats: From Struggles to Stereotypes
But the scapegoating didn’t end with refugees. After the riots, the focus shifted to the white working class, especially those who had voiced concerns about issues like immigration and policing. Media and politicians were quick to brand them as “right-wing extremists” or even “terrorists,” painting entire communities or at least those who took to the streets with the actions of a few.
Yes, there are extremist elements among them, but they’re a minority. The problem is that broad-brush labels smear entire groups based on the actions of a violent few. This is scapegoating 2.0—dismissing the genuine concerns of those who feel abandoned. Instead of addressing the root causes—economic inequality, job insecurity, and feelings of neglect—those in power prefer to slap labels and move on. It’s a way to avoid the hard conversations that might actually lead to change.
Let’s not ignore the darker side of the riots. In many areas, protests escalated into violence, racism, and fear. The anger was real, and so was the damage. Local ethnic populations were among those who suffered, forced to flee their homes and endure the fallout of the chaos. But the destruction wasn’t limited to them. In places like Middlesbrough, the white working class also faced severe vandalism and property damage from white balaclava clad youth . Homes and businesses were targeted, exacerbating the sense of betrayal and loss within these communities. This violence, affecting both local ethnic populations and the white working class, shows the broad impact of the riots. Using these moments of chaos to define an entire class of people or blame a single group only further obscures the truth and prevents meaningful solutions.
Breaking the Cycle: A Call to Action
So, what’s the way forward? It’s time to ditch the blame game and tackle the real issues. Instead of blaming refugees or the white working class for society’s problems, we need to dig deeper and understand why these groups are targeted in the first place.
We need to hold media and political leaders accountable for their role in this mess. Their divisive narratives aren’t just harmful; they’re a betrayal of truth and a distraction from real justice and reconciliation.
A justice-driven approach calls for speaking truth to power, advocating for fairness, and refusing to let fear and hatred dictate our actions. It’s about recognizing everyone’s humanity and working together to build something better.
The riots and the scapegoating that followed are a wake-up call. They reveal the dangers of letting racism and class division fester. We must reject these destructive forces and work towards a society where racism and class-based prejudices are actively dismantled. True progress requires us to confront and challenge these injustices head-on, creating a future where everyone, regardless of race or class, is treated with dignity and respect.
A Prayer for Justice, Truth, and Unity
God of Justice and Compassion,
In times of scapegoating and blame, help us cut through the fog of division and misunderstanding.
Grant us the courage to confront and reject the easy paths of finger-pointing and prejudice.
Empower us to stand with those wronged and marginalized, to speak truth to power, and to champion justice that is fair and genuine.
We grieve the racism, hatred, and violence that have surfaced against those seeking refuge, safety, and a better life.
We lament the suffering of migrants and refugees whose dignity has been undermined by fear and prejudice, and mourn those lost on perilous journeys or targeted by ideologies that deny their humanity.
Forgive us for our apathy and indifference, and for turning a blind eye to the struggles of the working class.
Help us recognize the complex reality of our society, where needs are pressing and divisions are deep.
Forgive us for allowing our hearts to harden against the suffering of others, and for failing to extend your love to strangers in our midst.
Guide us in dismantling the structures of racism and class division that perpetuate inequality and discord.
Grant us wisdom to build bridges where there are walls, and to seek peace in a world often torn apart by conflict.
Unite us in our shared humanity, and lead us toward a future where justice,
compassion, and understanding are not just ideals, but realities for all.
May we reflect your kingdom, where every person,
regardless of race or class, is honored and valued.
Empower us by your Spirit to stand against hatred and division,
and to welcome the stranger with open arms, as you have welcomed us.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.
- Swales, 2024, with assistance from chat GTP with structure, flow and formatting.
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