5.2. Mimetic Realism: The Nutshell Version
Mimetic theory or better said mimetic realism is new way to understand what it means to be human.
René Girard. Girard believes we not only imitate other’s actions (think of role models) but we also imitate (unconsciously) other’s desires. Girard then studied the development of human culture and postulates that the act of repetitive ritual sacrifice (using a scapegoat) stopped the escalation of violence between and in groups and allowed civilization to proceed. This is the place, he postulates, to begin understanding what it means to be human.
The Pillars of Culture. Mimetic realism is a 3 step process from human encounter to human sacrificial violence.
- Imitated Desire
- Escalation of Rivalries
- Collective Transfer of Hostility onto a ’Scapegoat’