René Girard's Mimetic Theory (Studies in Violence, Mimesis & Culture)

Not every instance of mimetic behavior, however, results necessarily in conflict. As long as desire is directed at an object that can be shared—learning a language, reading a book, listening to a piece of music, etc.—mimesis poses no problems. As soon as the object of desire can no longer be shared—as with objects of sexual desire, social positions

While mythical religions are based on texts that are told from the perspective of persecutors, the biblical writings show solidarity with the victims of sacrificial persecution.

As long as social difference or any other form of differentiation is present to channel mimetic desire, its conflictual dimension remains contained.

“The principal source of violence between human beings is mimetic rivalry, the rivalry resulting from imitation of a model who becomes a rival or of a rival who becomes a model”

The French social philosopher Jean-Pierre Dupuy, in response to Girard, describes advertising very rightly as an intrinsic “paradox.” For, Dupuy says, the “paradise of non-imitation” can only be achieved “thanks to imitation.”

Girard expressly praises Sartre’s insistence on man’s “insurmountable” religious nature, in the wake of Nietzsche’s proclamation of the death of God.

To better understand this concept, we must examine Girard’s usage of the term “scapegoat” more closely. The term first appears in the book of Leviticus (16) and describes a rite in which the high priest symbolically laid the sins of the community on the back of a goat, which was then cast into the wilderness to the demon Azazel.

Girard’s mimetic theory is based in essence on the literary insight into man’s unalterable religious nature. Looked at systematically, his position can be understood as follows: Human beings have the choice between recognition of the one true God and arbitrary idolatry.

This search is therefore directed at a transcendent form of being; only models that radiate indifference are able to excite human fascination, making those that appear inaccessible increasingly desirable.