Question

Following 9/11, some outraged people lashed out at innocent Arab-Americans. This venting of hostility can best be explained in terms of

a. the bystander effect.
b. scapegoat theory.
c. the mere exposure effect.
d. the just-world phenomenon.
e. social facilitation.

Answer 1

The mistreatment of Arab-Americans after 9/11 is best explained by scapegoat theory, where frustration is displaced onto an innocent group, despite leadership urging against such behavior and general American altruism and patriotism.

Step-by-step explanation:

Following 9/11, some outraged individuals lashed out at innocent Arab-Americans, which can best be explained in terms of scapegoat theory. This theory suggests that when people feel frustrated or angry about a situation, they may displace their aggression onto an innocent and often powerless group.

Public leaders, like President Bush at the time, can influence public reactions, and in this case, there was a noteworthy appeal against blaming Muslims generally for the attacks.

Despite some unfortunate reactions, the majority of Americans showed altruism and patriotism in the aftermath of 9/11, contributing positively to relief efforts and rejecting misplaced anger.