The goat and the need

I've been reflecting a bit on scapegoats lately. It's because of an idea that I'll use eventually, that goes something like this:

The FBI is called in to investigate a crime. They know the suspect is in this small town. They move in, begin asking around, and everyone points the finger at the same guy. Apparently he's a one-man crime wave--he's committed arson, burglary, made obscene phone calls, stolen cars, all sorts of things. So, why isn't he in jail?

The Feds talk to the local sheriff, who says that he doesn't bother to bring that guy in anymore, when a crime is committed--beyond a couple of petty juvenile offenses he hasn't done anything. Everything the locals accuse this guy of is a closed case--someone else was caught and convicted or plead out. The townspeople don't bother to mention this--to them, this guy did it even if someone else was arrested and convicted of it. Basically they just became convinced that this guy is a scumbag and nothing will change their minds.

You see, when people feel the need to blame someone they don't really care who it is, and it doesn't matter if it's the person who actually committed the act. We use an offense of some kind to justify our own prejuidices.  That's why I try not to rush to judgement. Having been used as a scapegoat many times myself, I know what it's like to be accussed, so I have a bit more sympathy towards the accused than many others. I know what it's like to have to defend yourself against a bullshit charge. Granted, once or twice it wasn't a bullshit charge, but in those cases I've always come clean about it. When I'm guilty you'll know it, because I'll tell you.

But people will always need someone, a monster in their midst who has offended the gods and brought down all our misery.

If they can't find one they'll create one.