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Mimetic Contagion | Mimetic Theory

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In mimetic theory, mimetic contagion refers to the rapid and spontaneous spread of mimetic desires through a society.

In mimetic theory, mimetic contagion refers to the rapid and spontaneous spread of mimetic desires through a society. Mimetic desires may begin small, but as they grow they gain momentum. Mimetic desire leads to mimetic rivalry, which leads to scandal, increasing levels of violence, then scapegoating, and later rationalization. As each stage progresses to the next, the force of desire becomes more contagious. In this way, mimetic desire is not only social: it is viral. A simple example will illustrate mimetic contagion: Say there are two high school boys, John and Robert, who are…

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