In earlier centuries people vented their fear and hostility on witches, whom they sometimes burned or drowned in public. In the context of displaced aggression, the witches are _____.
A) stereotype threats.
B) scapegoats.
C) chauvinists.
D) bigots.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The best choice is B, scapegoats. In the context of displaced aggression, witches were used as a target for the public's anger and fear. As such, they were scapegoats, or individuals who were unfairly blamed for a problem in order to divert attention away from the true source of the problem.

In Earlier Centuries People Vented Their Fear and Hostility on Witches