Archive · 19 Sep 2025
Migrants as Scapegoats: Modern Morality Plays in the West
Many people in the West see migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers as the problem, but they often forget who created them.
Some people believe a strong government is needed to keep migrants out and see culture as something fragile.
They believe that migrants can threaten culture like an economic flow.
They also have this idea of a "golden age" of the past when things were better.
Those who make up morality tales need clear-cut solutions to avoid any implication.
The result of this is the audience always feels like they have nothing to do with this problem.
Migrants, refugees, and asylum-seekers are often scapegoated for societal problems.
Some view migrants as threats to national borders and believe a strong state is needed to control immigration.
Some view cultures as fragile and migrants threaten the past.
The "Golden Age" narrative suggests migrants disrupt a homogenous culture.
Morality tales often create a black-and-white view, distancing the audience from the issues.
- Who
- Migrants and those who view them negatively.
- What
- Migrants are being used as scapegoats in the West.
- When
- Current times.
- Where
- Primarily in Western countries such as the United Kingdom and the US.
- Why
- To explain societal problems and reinforce ideas about culture and the state.
Pro-Migrant View
Anti-Migrant View
Role of the State
Pro-Migrant View
Not emphasized
Anti-Migrant View
A strong state is necessary to secure borders and control immigration.
Cultural Impact of Immigration
Pro-Migrant View
Cultures evolve, and interaction is positive.
Anti-Migrant View
Migrants threaten cultural purity.
Historical Context and Blame
Pro-Migrant View
Focus on global factors
Anti-Migrant View
Focus on current impact
- World Migrant Population
- Around 4% of the global population
- Migrant Groups Targeted
- Migrants, refugees, asylum-seekers
- Key Theme
- Migrants as scapegoats for societal problems
- Core Argument
- Migrants are often portrayed as a threat to culture and the state