Scapegoat: They All Loved Him But When It Went Wrong They Killed Him

The concept of a scapegoat is deeply embedded in human nature. Throughout history, societies have often identified a person or group to bear the burden of blame for collective misfortunes. This person becomes the symbol of all that is wrong, and the scapegoating process concludes with the ultimate sacrifice – their death. It's a dark and intriguing tale that explores the depths of human psychology and society dynamics.

The Rising Hero

Our story begins with an individual who, for a variety of reasons, distinguishes themselves from the crowd. Their unique characteristics and talents capture the attention and admiration of their peers. At this stage, the scapegoat is elevated to a pedestal, becoming the embodiment of hope, revitalization, and progress for the community.

The enigmatic allure of the scapegoat lies in their ability to unite people under a common purpose. They possess charismatic qualities that inspire others and push them to believe that change is possible. People see in the scapegoat the potential to overcome obstacles and address the issues that plague their society.

Stephen Ward: Scapegoat - They All Loved Him… But When It Went Wrong They Killed Him

by Douglas Thompson (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4295 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

The Initial Success

As the scapegoat gains prominence, they spearhead transformative movements or initiatives. Their impact is significant, and society hails them as a savior. The crowd becomes increasingly invested in the belief that the individual holds the key to their ultimate happiness and well-being.

The scapegoat, fueled by ambition or desire for change, presents seemingly innovative solutions to complex problems. They captivate their audience, convincing them that progress is within reach. Hope blossoms, and excitement percolates throughout the community.

The Tides Turn

Amidst the euphoria, society begins to experience setbacks and disappointments. The initial enthusiasm wanes as reality sets in. People start realizing that the scapegoat is not infallible, and their solutions may not be as viable as previously believed. Doubt creeps in, accompanied by resentment and frustration. The once-revered scapegoat is now in the crosshairs of public opinion.

The scapegoat, now burdened with the weight of their earlier promises, struggles to meet the elevated expectations of society. The inevitable flaws and imperfections come to light, eroding the goodwill and trust that once surrounded them. The same crowd that once adored them is now ready to bring them down.

The Fall from Grace

Public opinion is a fickle mistress, and the scapegoat finds themselves torn apart by the very people who put them on a pedestal. Society seeks someone to blame for their dashed hopes and unmet aspirations, and the scapegoat becomes the clear target. They are held responsible for all the disappointments and setbacks, their character ridiculed, and their every move scrutinized.

As the scapegoat's popularity plummets, so does their power and influence. The supporters who once rallied behind them abandon ship, eager to distance themselves from the sinking hero. The once mighty savior is now a pariah, shunned and isolated.

The Sacrifice

In order to cleanse society of its failures and reclaim a sense of normalcy, the scapegoat must be sacrificed. Their death becomes the ultimate act of redemption, allowing society to purge itself of guilt and shame. The collective conscience desires someone to take the blame, and the scapegoat is the chosen sacrificial lamb.

The act of sacrificing the scapegoat becomes a communal event. People participate actively or passively, either because they genuinely believe in the necessity of the sacrifice or because they fear becoming the next target if they stand against the collective will. The scapegoat's demise is seen as a necessary step towards rebuilding and restoring order, however illusory it may be.

The Cycle Begins Again

With the scapegoat gone, society experiences a fleeting sense of relief. However, the underlying issues that plagued them remain untouched. A new individual will eventually rise, embodying hope and proposing solutions. The cycle begins anew, even if the lessons from the past are seemingly forgotten.

The story of the scapegoat sheds light on the complexities of human behavior and societal dynamics. It forces us to examine our propensity to attach ourselves fervently to heroes, only to turn on them when they fail to meet our lofty expectations. It challenges us to question the collective need for blame and sacrifice, and to strive for a more forgiving and compassionate society.

It is a tale as old as time, captivating and cautionary in equal measure. The scapegoat is a tragic figure who embodies our deepest fears and desires. They remind us of the delicate balance between adulation and condemnation, between hope and despair. In the end, they teach us valuable lessons about the flaws within ourselves and the power dynamics that shape our societies.

Stephen Ward: Scapegoat - They All Loved Him… But When It Went Wrong They Killed Him

by Douglas Thompson (Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4295 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages

FREE

Global hit-maker Andrew Lloyd-Webber's new musical spotlights the world of Stephen Ward - the social cavalier who knew everyone who mattered - and his enigmatic role in the great political scandal of the 20th Century.Yet, few truly knew the rakish charmer who was the catalytic character of The Profumo Affair.A talented osteopath and artist, Stephen Ward treated, sketched and seduced the great and often not-so-good of the post-war years. He healed Churchill, Gandhi, Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor; he drew Princess Margaret, the Duke of Edinburgh, Harold Macmillan and, of course, Christine Keeler, whose striking likeness by him hangs in the National Portrait Gallery in London. Everyone loved the superbly well-connected Stephen Ward.But when Christine Keeler slept with two of his friends - British War Minister John Profumo and Soviet superspy Eugene Ivanov - President Kennedy's White House went haywire, suspicion and scandal cast a shroud over Dr Ward's world.In the middle of a nuclear poker game, Stephen Ward soon had MI5 and MI6 snapping at his heels, along with the KGB, the CIA and the FBI at his shoulder. The spooks all feared what he might know - or do. The British Establishment, keen to see him gone, brushed him off.The infamous persecution, torturous trial and death of Stephen Ward still shocks. Now, best-selling author Douglas Thompson has traced confidants of Stephen Ward, speaking for the first time in more than half a century; along with newly-discovered government documents, he has gathered their eyewitness accounts of Downing Street intrigue, sex orgies and dangerous liaisons. Posterity is ferociously capricious but there are still those alive who know the secrets and the true story of Stephen Ward, which is brilliantly told here in Scapegoat.