René Girard’s mimetic theory is based on an analysis of a variety of literary works, including novels, myths and the Bible. Its main assumption is that human behaviour is animated by mimesis. Under certain conditions it can lead to serious conflicts. In the past, communities coped with this problem using a system based on the mechanism of victimization (the scapegoat ritual). The Girardian insights may be applied in studies focusing on the Polish community in the United Kingdom, especially by analyzing liter-ary works. Research can reveal an image that is different from the ones that are often promoted. The Poles who settled in Great Britain were and still are average people and not heroes whom they consider themselves to be. On the British soil they look for per-sonal happiness and want a normal life among those who accept and love them.
Is he one of the really great thinkers or a dilettante? René Girard’s person and work divide opinions. His approach to reach scientific insight seems too radical. He is one of the few intellectuals who not only intentionally transgress the boundaries between disciplines but also place the quest for truth at the center of the process of gaining knowledge. He talks unashamedly about the importance of conversion for the process of developing theories as well as for one’s personal biography. As a scholar of literature he does not limit his scope to texts but develops an anthropology. His theory about the dead ends of mimetically structured human desire leads to a theory of religion and culture. His fundamental thesis that the scapegoat mechanism is at the root of both archaic religion and today’s social structures bridges the divergent theories about the genesis of archaic and modern cultures. The mythological core of this mechanism hides the victims produced in order to stabilize and pacify a society. In contrast to this logic of myth, the “true God” reveals an outline for an alternative culture: it is not based on the rationality of the scapegoat mechanism but it is supported by an intentional mindset of reconciliation. This des¬cription of the relationship between myths and revelation also bridges the gap between religious and cultural studies on the one hand and theology on the other. Not only for these reasons, one can say Girard is a great thinker of the present.
René Girard francuski antropolog kulturowy, pracujący w Ameryce jest autorem koncepcji wyjaśniającej nieświadome posługiwanie się mechanizmem kozła ofiarnego w przypadku rozmaitych kryzysów społecznych. Pozbycie się kozła ofiarnego pozornie przywraca ład w społeczeństwie, ale w późniejszym okresie następuje jego sakralizacja i w ostateczności może powstać nowa religia. W dziejach opisywanych na kartach Biblii również dochodzi do wykorzystania tego mechanizmu. Lecz w nich również ten mechanizm zostaje ujawniony. Tamże pokazuje się również, że możliwe jest też rozwiązanie kryzysu bez użycia przemocy.
EN
René Girard a French anthropologist, settled in America, is the author of a concept which explains the unconscious use of a scapegoat mechanism during various social crises. Getting rid of the scapegoat only seemingly helps to restore social order, thus in the following period of time the scapegoat becomes subject of sacralisation which may finally lead to an establishment of a new religion. In the history depicted in the Bible the scapegoat mechanism is also used, and revealed. The Bible also shows that it is possible to find a solution to the crisis without violence.
JavaScript jest wyłączony w Twojej przeglądarce internetowej. Włącz go, a następnie odśwież stronę, aby móc w pełni z niej korzystać.