Why We Need To Stop Burden Shifting
Collective Responsibility
I recently wrote in the article “For the Goddess: Feminine Justice”, that people are only responsible for so much and can't be expected to solve socio-economic issues that are beyond their control. That is why there is a government. Yet there are deeper implications regarding this type of behaviour of shifting the problems from the main government to the population to solve, or to local governments and then to the people to somehow solve the larger issues. Individuals should not be expected to bear the brunt of systemic failures, particularly when it comes to socio-economic challenges. It parallels the concept of scapegoating, where the burden of systemic failures is unfairly shifted onto individuals. By blaming people for not overcoming socio-economic issues without addressing the underlying structural problems, it’s as if their struggles are seen as their personal failures rather than symptoms of broader systemic inadequacies. This approach neglects the role of governance in creating and maintaining conditions that support societal well-being.
If we look at this from a Jungian perspective. This falls under scapegoating, which is a projection of a society’s collective shadow onto individuals or groups who are then unfairly blamed for problems that are systemic in nature. This psychological process involves projecting the undesirable aspects of the collective psyche onto an external target to relieve the collective of the discomfort and responsibility associated with these aspects. This type of behaviour starts internally, before it becomes externalised on to the “Other”. Instead of recognizing and addressing the systemic issues, the focus becomes on blaming individuals for not thriving despite the lack of proper support structures. How could we fault people who are dealing with tons of trauma for not having a job, or being able to keep one for long for instance. To give an example.
It is much easier to judge from a distance, from a detached Apollonian manner, than to see people as the humans they are. It is not a moral or personal failure to be traumatised, or that you don’t have access to the needed mental health support as a young person, or the proper support to get back on your feet, after hardship. Most people try their best, with the best they know how to do things. I have yet to see someone unemployed who acts like it is a holiday. What I do truly see is a lot of unacknowledged pain in families and society. Personal, familial and historical trauma that just stands there like an elephant in the room. At best society might give you pills for symptoms or something of the sort, but actually addressing it, let alone stopping it from continuing down generations. That does not happen. As if someone who is drugged up, or just not able due to their trauma to connect with their emotions or important parts of themselves, can meet anyone either in that space. So their children will have that wounding there. And then people also use all kinds of things to escape from their trauma and suffering, but by avoiding it, they just push it down the line. With all the problems this creates in ones own life, and in that of others you interact with too. We are relational beings. So what ends up happening is that this shadow is not addressed, and one individual or a group of individuals become the scapegoat. Due to their caring nature, or their emotionally or symbolic sensitivity. Where they feel the responsibility to tend to others shadows.
Scapegoating and Shadow Projection
In Jungian psychology, the shadow represents the parts of the psyche that are repressed or denied, often because they are uncomfortable or socially unacceptable. When a society or government fails to address systemic issues, such as socio-economic disparities, lack of mental health support, ineffective policies, or ethical failures. It creates an environment where the collective shadow is not properly integrated or addressed. Instead of confronting and working through these shadow aspects, the burden of failure is projected onto the population, certain individuals or marginalized groups.
Scapegoating Mechanism:
Projection of Failure: When a government fails to create favorable conditions for its citizens, it shifts the blame onto individuals, suggesting that they are responsible for their own struggles despite the lack of structural support. This projection allows the government to avoid confronting its own failings and the discomfort associated with acknowledging systemic problems. As no one wants to struggle either in a social, economic or mental health way.
Creation of a Scapegoat: Individuals or groups who are already vulnerable or marginalized become the final targets of this projection. As the collective who wants to rid itself of the shadow, does this this to preserve it’s perceived moral purity. So the scapegoats, who are blameless, are blamed for broader issues, which serves to alleviate the collective sense of guilt or discomfort associated with the failings and larger issues. That no one wants to actually speak about. The metaphorical elephant in the room.
Avoidance of Responsibility: By scapegoating these individuals, the government and society avoid facing the deeper systemic issues and the need for meaningful change. This externalization of blame enables the government to maintain its position without addressing its fundamental responsibilities. Which places first the burden onto the population, by neglecting its duties, and then this creating the collective need for a scapegoat, which parties that feed into this type of behaviour use to give them that, and get power, and play the role of false charismatic messianic saviour, like Paul Atreides leading everyone towards death. As these figures feed into the us versus them mentality, and thus just reinforce the scapegoat complex, through splitting and projective identification. Where the actual collective issues and shadows remain unaddressed. Any real redemption comes from the inner Self, not some projected outer figure. As anyone playing the role of either scapegoat or redeemer, only plays into the splitting.
Consequences of Scapegoating
Scapegoating, in turn, creates a cycle where individuals or groups who are blamed become the new focus of societal anger and resentment. This dynamic can exacerbate social fragmentation and injustice:
Increased Marginalization: The scapegoated groups experience increased marginalization and discrimination, which can further entrench societal inequalities and prevent them from accessing the support they need.
Projection onto the 'Other': As the government and society continue to avoid confronting their own shadows, they may further project their failings onto different "Others." This continuous shifting of blame leads to a cycle where new groups are targeted as the source of societal problems.
Lack of Self-Reflection: The collective fails to engage in meaningful self-reflection or address the underlying issues. Instead, the focus remains on the external scapegoats, preventing the necessary introspection and reform required to address the root causes of societal problems.
Reinforcement of Shadow Dynamics: This cycle reinforces shadow dynamics, where societal problems are continually externalized rather than being integrated and resolved. The collective shadow remains unaddressed, leading to recurring patterns of blame and injustice.
If we really want to solve the issues we can only do that together as the collective by looking at these issues together, acknowledging the elephant in the room. The fact is that the collective is not pure, there is no such thing as purity here, and dirtiness there, or good here and bad there. Same for the scapegoats, the collective won’t bring you redemption, and are not the pure redemptive force. There is nothing wrong with you, and the shadows projected onto you are not yours to carry. Return them back to the gods, as this is what we should do with this. Only the gods can carry such a burden, and through the wisdom and insight coming from the gods, the archetypes and these ancient patterns of life can we through creativity solve these issues.