Have problems? Solve them all by sacrificing someone ugly!

Let’s talk about human scapegoats

Martina Petkova
6 min readMar 31, 2024
Sacrifice scene depicted in the Pitsa panels from the 6th century BC | Public Domain | Source

One of the most fascinating things about human psychology, at least to me, is how we decide that we’re superior to others. I find it funny to be honest, despite my deep (and since recently very personal) awareness of the incalculable human suffering this inflicts. But it’s still, in its essence, funny.

Do you (and your people) have blue eyes and blond hair? Well, wouldn’t you know it, as it turns out, blue hair and blonde eyes are superior.

Do you (and your people) live next to a river? Oh my God, listen up. Rivers are actually superior. And so are you.

Unless, of course, you (and your people) live by a mountain? Then, nothing can compare to the majestic power of a mountain. The people living there, in other words you, are naturally better than everyone else.

Do you (and your people) enjoy beige and white to bright colors? Then, this can only mean one thing. You are both elegant and superior.

The pattern is simple. If you like it or *are* it, then it is the best and you are the best. And everyone else is, of course, inferior to you.

This spans from entire countries to individuals living in neighboring apartments or in the same family…

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Martina Petkova

In my Medium writing, I explore the human psyche, our many contradictions, mental health, & the signs and causes of abuse. I also write about racism.