8. Scapegoating
Scapegoating is the act of unfairly blaming an individual or group for society’s problems. This common psychological defense can quickly spiral into discrimination, hostility, or even violence. Throughout history, scapegoating has fueled witch hunts, ethnic persecution, and other tragic events, as noted by Psychology Today. By projecting blame onto others, people can avoid uncomfortable truths and justify cruelty—turning simple frustration into collective aggression with devastating consequences.