Scapegoating conspiracism offers only the satisfaction of pulling others down.

Evidence

We’ve said that conspiracism conjures an explanation for grievances proportionate to indignity and resentment. And its satisfactions are aligned with the new conspiracism. Scapegoating conspiracism gives resentment a target. And scapegoating conspiracism is wholly negative. It does not offer an improvement in one’s situation but rather the satisfaction of pulling others down. It expresses righteous anger. And like the new conspiracism, scapegoating can overcome lethargy. It is stimulating. It is a form of vicarious action. — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying, 142

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Scapegoating conspiracism assigns hated groups responsibility for national troubles. — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying: The New…, 139; Presidential scapegoating can make hate feel patriotic. — Russell Muirhead and Nancy L. Rosenblum, A Lot of People Are Saying: The New…, 149