.
, meaning 'to spread' or 'to propagate', thus propaganda means the things which are to be propagated.
. Scapegoating may be conducted by individuals against individuals, individuals against groups, groups against individuals, and groups against groups.
Minorities, particularly minorities perceived as different and/or comparatively weak, make "ideal" scapegoats for those intent on blaming others for their own mistakes and/or misfortune.
A scapegoat may be an adult, child, sibling, employee, peer,
ethnic, political or religious group, or country. A
whipping boy,
identified patient, or "
fall guy" are forms of scapegoat.
The term
"scapegoating" has its origins in the
scapegoat ritual of
atonement described in chapter 16 of the Biblical
Book of Leviticus, in which a goat (or ass) is released into the wilderness bearing all the sins of the community, which have been placed on the goat's head by a priest.