What is the term for blaming another person or group for your problems?

The correct term for blaming another person or group for your problems is scapegoating. This concept originates from ancient practices where a goat was symbolically burdened with the sins of the community and then cast out, thus taking their troubles with it. In modern contexts, scapegoating refers to the act of singling out an individual or group and placing blame on them for broader issues or societal problems, regardless of their actual involvement. This often serves to divert attention from the true causes of the problems at hand and can be a means for individuals or groups to unify against a common "enemy," thereby creating a shared sense of purpose, albeit through mistaken or unfair blame.

Other terms do not accurately capture this specific act. For example, projection refers to attributing one’s own thoughts or feelings to someone else, whereas demonizing relates more to portraying someone as evil. Accusation involves stating that someone has done something wrong but does not inherently involve the broader societal dynamics that scapegoating entails. Therefore, scapegoating distinctly embodies the act of blaming others for one’s own difficulties or frustrations.