Witch-hunts, as those of colonial Salem, still grip the modern world. The reasons for these occurrences are relatively the same. Whether they are the result of someone's foolishness or someone's inability of finding the source of a problem, these trials still continue all over the world. Even though the hanging tactics are no longer used, even more cruel punishments are awarded for the scapegoats of these prosecutions in today's world.
The Holocaust is a grave example of a new age witch-hunt. The German political party, led by Adolf Hitler, needed someone to blame for their loss and damages in World War I. The rich and the ones in power seemed like the perfect target. The majority of this population was Jewish. Hitler proposed that by getting rid of thisinferior? race and taking them out of power, the true Germans can rule with more strength. With this, horrid blood shed began. Being of the Jewish faith automatically marked you for death. No reasoning, no argument, just death. .
The cold war, unlike the other two world wars, was more politically motivated. The United States and the Soviet Union were going back to back in a continuous race for power and domination in technological advancement. In the United States this race took an interesting turn. The government labeled everyone belonging to the Communist Party as an enemy. If the accused was an American citizen, he was automatically labeled as a traitor. .
The newest example of modern day witch-hunts would be the events of 9/11. We can all relate to the general misunderstanding. Anyone who looks of the Middle Eastern background is immediately labeled as a terrorist. This misguided image keeps people off planes, automatically lowers their credibility and basically has them face bias everyday. .
All three of these examples have to do with someone ending up as a scapegoat in an ugly situation. Whenever we are scared and are looking for someone to blame, we automatically place the responsibility on the ones closest to us rather then face the real problem.