Meghan Markle as Diana's Inverse: The Psychology of Scapegoating
This opinion piece by Brigid Delaney analyzes the intense public hatred directed at Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, contrasting it with the adoration once bestowed upon Princess Diana. The author argues that Meghan serves as a 'photonegative' to Diana, revealing hidden aspects of British character and collective anxieties. Citing data from 2019, the article highlights that Meghan received significantly more negative press coverage than other royals, despite her actions having minimal impact on the general public. Drawing on the theories of philosopher René Girard, Delaney suggests that society requires scapegoats to absorb communal tensions and restore unity. Meghan fits this role as an insider-outsider who transgressed established boundaries. The article posits that the disproportionate rage against Meghan and Prince Harry’s commercial ventures is not merely about their choices but reflects a deeper psychological need for sacrificial figures, mirroring the hysterical mourning for Diana which marked a shift in Britain’s psyche from imperial to emotional.
Wire timeline
Meghan Markle as Diana's Inverse: The Psychology of Scapegoating
This opinion piece by Brigid Delaney analyzes the intense public hatred directed at Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, contrasting it with the adoration once bestowed upon Princess Diana. The author argues that Meghan serves as a 'photonegative' to Diana, revealing hidden aspects of British character and collective anxieties. Citing data from 2019, the article highlights that Meghan received significantly more negative press coverage than other royals, despite her actions having minimal impact on the general public. Drawing on the theories of philosopher René Girard, Delaney suggests that society requires scapegoats to absorb communal tensions and restore unity. Meghan fits this role as an insider-outsider who transgressed established boundaries. The article posits that the disproportionate rage against Meghan and Prince Harry’s commercial ventures is not merely about their choices but reflects a deeper psychological need for sacrificial figures, mirroring the hysterical mourning for Diana which marked a shift in Britain’s psyche from imperial to emotional.
The Guardian