The Dangers of Mimetic Desire and the Role of Scapegoating: Insights from René Girard and the iPhone

The Dangers of Mimetic Desire and the Role of Scapegoating: Insights from René Girard and the iPhone

In our modern society, we are constantly bombarded with advertisements that aim to shape our desires and influence our consumption patterns. René Girard, a renowned philosopher and anthropologist, offers a compelling explanation for why we are so easily swayed by these marketing tactics. He argues that our desires are not inherently our own; instead, they are learned through imitation and mimicry of others.

Girard refers to this phenomenon as "mimetic desire." When we watch other people and pattern our desires off theirs, we are not simply acquiring a desire for an object, but rather striving to become like the person we admire. Advertisers understand this principle well. They don't just sell us products; they sell us the idea that by consuming their products, we can become part of a desired peer group.

This concept of mimetic desire is also explored in Marcel Proust's masterpiece, "A La Recherche du Temps Perdu." The protagonist embarks on a quest to rediscover his initial impressions of experiences before they were shaped by the opinions of others. Mimetic desire often leads to self-deception as we reshape our perceptions, experiences, and identity to align with who we feel we ought to be.

Interestingly, Girard argues that narcissists, whose role model is themselves, are often deeply unhappy. They strive to become an idealized version of themselves, but the more they try, the less successful they become. This is because mimetic desire is ultimately zero-sum in nature. As we strive to imitate and impress our models, they become our rivals and obstacles. We simultaneously admire and resent them for being both our inspiration and our competition.

Girard distinguishes between two types of models: external mediators and internal mediators. External mediators, such as heroic figures in culture or history, are distant from us and therefore do not pose a threat to our desires. However, internal mediators, such as peers or coworkers, have a powerful effect on our desires and our relationship with them. The closer the model is to us, the more intense the conflict becomes as we strive to imitate them while also fearing exposure as mere imitators.

This conflict between admiration and envy often leads to destructive behavior. We may resort to attacking, slandering, or sabotaging our models, all in an attempt to hide our true feelings of jealousy. Likewise, our models may feel the same conflicting emotions towards us. Girard argues that the more undifferentiated our relationships are, the more likely mimetic conflict becomes.

So, how do we prevent or resolve mimetic conflict? Girard suggests that distance and differentiation are key. When a relationship between subject and model is differentiated, such as in the case of founders in Silicon Valley startups, jealousy and rivalry are less likely to arise. Founders, who rule their companies as if by divine right, are differentiated from their employees to an absolute degree.

Religion, according to Girard, evolved as a defense mechanism against mimetic conflict. Early religions played a crucial role in suppressing and diffusing this conflict within communities. Girard's interpretation of the Christian Bible supports this idea, with stories like Adam and Eve's expulsion from the Garden of Eden and the rivalry between Cain and Abel serving as cautionary tales about the destructive nature of mimetic desire.

In conclusion, René Girard's insights into mimetic desire and the dangers of envy and rivalry shed light on our consumerist culture and the role of advertisement in shaping our desires. To prevent or resolve mimetic conflict, Girard suggests maintaining distance and differentiation in relationships. Additionally, understanding the role of religion in suppressing mimetic conflict can offer valuable lessons for creating a more harmonious society.

Actionable Advice:

1. Reflect on your own desires and consider how much they are influenced by the desires of others. Are you striving to be like someone else, or are your desires truly your own?
2. Pay attention to the relationships in your life and the potential for mimetic conflict. Are there any instances where envy or jealousy is causing tension? Seek ways to differentiate yourself and maintain a healthy distance from those you admire.
3. Be aware of the role of scapegoating in resolving mimetic conflict. Instead of blaming others for your own dissatisfaction, take responsibility for your desires and strive to find fulfillment from within.