In Disney’s acclaimed 2021 animated film Encanto, Mirabel Madrigal finds herself seemingly rejected by the magical gifts given to the rest of her family. As the only ordinary member of the extraordinary Madrigal family, Mirabel struggles to find her place and purpose. This has led many viewers to see Mirabel as a scapegoat figure – someone unfairly blamed for the family’s problems. In this article, we’ll examine the evidence for and against viewing Mirabel in this light.
What is a Scapegoat?
First, let’s define what it means to be a scapegoat. A scapegoat is a person who is unfairly blamed for mistakes or faults of others. Scapegoats are often singled out due to being different or vulnerable in some way. The term originates from ancient religious rituals where sins of a community were symbolically placed on a goat, which was then driven out into the wilderness.
In family systems, scapegoating can occur when a group experiences high anxiety and stress. Family members may unconsciously redirect negative feelings and blame onto one individual, allowing the rest of the group to avoid responsibility. The scapegoat is saddled with shame, anger, and inferiority.
Evidence For Mirabel as a Scapegoat
There are several clues that Mirabel becomes a scapegoat within the Madrigal family:
- She is the only ordinary family member without a magical gift, making her an easy target for blame.
- Abuela frequently criticizes and ignores Mirabel in favor of the gifted children.
- When Mirabel tries to warn the family about the magic fading, she is not taken seriously.
- Mirabel is often put in charge of menial chores instead of being allowed to participate in important family matters.
- She is made to sleep in the nursery instead of having her own proper bedroom, physically separating her.
- During the song “What Else Can I Do?” Mirabel sings about being overlooked and feeling invisible within her own family.
This treatment shows how the Madrigals marginalize Mirabel, perhaps using her as an outlet for their own stresses and insecurities about losing their magic and status.
Counter Evidence: Mirabel as Hero, Not Scapegoat
However, there are also important ways in which Mirabel deviates from a classic scapegoat role:
- She never accepts blame or responsibility for the family’s issues. Mirabel knows her lack of gift is not her fault.
- Rather than being passive or weak, Mirabel demonstrates courage and persistence in trying to save the magic and her family.
- She ends up playing a heroic role by helping restore the family’s gifts, bringing them together, and being recognized for her value.
- The family acknowledges their unfair treatment of Mirabel and reconciles with her.
A true scapegoat is never elevated and remains stuck bearing blame. So while Mirabel experiences exclusion, she ultimately breaks out of that limiting role in the end thanks to her strength of character.
Mirabel as Revelation, Not Scapegoat
Rather than a scapegoat, Mirabel can be viewed as a revelatory figure who creates positive change in her family. Literary critic Jesse Hassenger argues that Mirabel’s lack of gift actually allows her to see the truth about her family that the others have been blind to – that their magical gifts are fading and their unity is threatened.
Thanks to being ordinary, Mirabel has a clarity and insight that the gifted family members lack. Her “weakness” turns out to be the family’s greatest strength in overcoming their shared denial. She doesn’t take the blame but shakes them out of their complacency. Mirabel opens their eyes to what’s gone unnoticed.
Key Points
- Mirabel faces exclusion and criticism for her lack of a magical gift.
- However, she refuses to accept blame and takes heroic action to save the family.
- Her ordinariness allows Mirabel to see truths the gifted can’t, acting as a positive revealer rather than scapegoat.
The Role of the Scapegoat in Family Dynamics
To better understand Mirabel’s experience, let’s explore some background on how scapegoating functions in families:
Common Causes of Family Scapegoating
| Cause | Example |
|---|---|
| Age or birth order | Younger siblings blamed by older ones. |
| Gender | Daughter unfairly blamed due to patriarchal norms. |
| Physical differences | A child with a disability scapegoated for not meeting ableist expectations. |
| Personality | A sensitive child unjustly singled out in a power-oriented family. |
| Black sheep | A nonconforming family member treated as the problem. |
In many cases, family scapegoats are picked on simply for being different in some way. The Madrigals certainly single Mirabel out for her lack of special powers.
Impacts of Scapegoating
Being the scapegoat can deeply damage a child’s self-worth and identity. The effects of family scapegoating often extend far into adulthood, requiring therapy and recovery work to overcome.
| Impact | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Low self-esteem | The scapegoat internalizes blame and criticism from others. |
| Social isolation | They are excluded, rejected, and avoided by the family group. |
| Anger issues | Bottled up anger and rage from unjust treatment may explode. |
| Self-sabotage | They adopt a victim mentality and subconsciously recreate scapegoating. |
| People pleasing | The scapegoat becomes a doormat, unable to set boundaries. |
Fortunately, Mirabel’s strong sense of self allows her to escape most of these damaging consequences within her family.
Is There a “Good” Scapegoat?
Some psychologists argue that scapegoating a family member can actually serve a temporary purpose in relieving tension and stabilizing the family system. Designating one child as the “problem” allows parents to avoid blaming each other or looking at their own contributions to dysfunction. However, this comes at a steep price for the child’s well-being.
There are also times when a child may consciously volunteer for the scapegoat role, noticing it gives them extra attention and importance. However, the costs of being the family scapegoat typically outweigh any small benefits.
Key Points
- Patterns like age, gender, and birth order often unfairly determine the family scapegoat.
- Scapegoating causes lasting damage to self-esteem and relationships.
- Though it can temporarily stabilize a family system, scapegoating children is ultimately destructive.
Breaking the Scapegoat Cycle
If you identify as a family scapegoat, there are steps you can take to change the narrative:
Tips for Escaping the Scapegoat Role
- Seek counseling to work through trauma and establish your self-worth.
- Build a support system outside your family of people who appreciate you.
- Set boundaries by limiting contact with abusive family members.
- Allow yourself to feel anger while avoiding lashing out.
- Try not to internalize blame – remind yourself of the unfairness.
- Focus on self-care and growth – pursue education, interests, and life goals.
With time, insight, and distance, you can move past the scapegoat role and live a happy, fulfilling life. Mirabel shows how finding your inner strength and sense of purpose can overcome the limitations placed on you. Her example provides hope for breaking free of family blame and recognizing your true value.
Key Points
- Seeking counseling helps overcome scapegoating trauma and establish self-worth.
- Building a supportive community provides positive mirrors to counter family abuse.
- Setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and pursuing growth empower you to move forward.
Conclusion
Mirabel’s experiences in Encanto contain many hallmarks of a family scapegoat – criticism, exclusion, blame for problems she didn’t cause. However, unlike a typical scapegoat, Mirabel refuses victimhood. Through her insight, courage, and resilience, she becomes the Madrigal family’s savior rather than unjust sacrifice.
While scapegoating causes real psychological damage, Mirabel demonstrates the possibility of rising above it. Her strength of character transforms her from scapegoat to hero. Rather than being defined by others’ unfair judgements, Mirabel claims her agency to create change. Her example empowers those suffering scapegoating to similarly reject the projections and limitations placed on them by their families. Each individual has the power to define themselves on their own terms.