- Published: September 15, 2022
- Updated: September 15, 2022
- University / College: New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University
- Level: Masters
- Language: English
- Downloads: 34
Scapegoating The culture in which we live in is fond of finding scapegoats. No one accepts responsibility for a particular occurrence within the community. Scapegoating is evident in the case of a crisis in the community. In most instances, people whom the community treat with little respect are taken as scapegoats in the event of a crisis. For this reason, what are the scapegoat qualities found in the movie ” Edward Scissor Hand”?
The film shows an artificial being, Edward, having scissors for his hands. A suburban family takes in Edward into their home. Edwards fall in love with their daughter, Kim, who was at that time dating the neighborhood bully, Jim. Edward soon becomes a local celeb as a result of his ability to cut hair and trim hedges. This capability to do extra things makes people take advantage of Edward. For instance, Jim uses Edward to break into his parents house but unfortunately Edward is trapped in the automatic locks. He is then accused of crime and people including Jim who was using him takes Edward as a scapegoat.
Similarly, in our community scapegoating occurs to individuals who are famous and can do extra things (Stereotypes of Persecution, 19). Out of envy and jealous of the community members especially those with same abilities, such an individual is considered as a threat. False accusations are alleged against such person with an aim of disgracing him or her (Stereotypes of Persecution, 14). For instance, Joyce claims that Edward tried to rape her. However, these allegation are not real. The community members looks everywhere for possible indications to confirm their suspicion against the individual. In most cases, individuals taken as scapegoats are innocent and defenseless. They usually undergo through judgment and unfair punishment for crimes they did not commit.
In conclusion, scapegoating results to hatred, violence and degradation. The vice should, for this reason, be avoided and each to take responsibility for his or her actions.
Reference
Stereotype of persecution. Print (12-36)
