Scapegoat. That's the person we blame when something goes wrong, even if it's not even their fault. It's the person who tries their best to make something work, but the second when that same something stops working they get blamed for it. We've all been a scapegoat before, and most of us probably don't like it because it feels like we aren't valued.
I like to think differently. Being the scapegoat is something everyone should strive to be, because although it might mean someone else is taking the credit for the team effort, you still played an integral role. You're just as important, if not more important, than the person showered with glory. Let me tell you the story of me, the scapegoat.
There are a couple definitive traits of a scapegoat. When playing any group sport with your friends and you're always that one who shows flashes of greatness for half the game then fool around for the other half, there's a very good chance you're going to be the scapegoat. Your teammates don't expect much from you, and when you do show them a fantastic catch or score, they're not impressed but if you mess up, you're ridiculed and publicly shamed.
Being picked up last in a casual game of frisbee or volleyball when you've scored more or assisted in big scores is another indicator that you might just be a scapegoat. People take you for granted, but don't credit you in any of the big things you do. And that's absolutely okay because in the end, it's still your team that wins.
Being the scapegoat saves friendships if you have a thick skin and don't let people get into your head. It stops arguments from happening, and no one is blaming each other because they're blaming- you guessed it-you. For group projects especially, when that tension could lead to someone not contributing and sulking angrily in a corner, being a scapegoat and taking the fall -- even if it's not your fault -- keeps the everything moving along smoothly.
Of course, you can't do it alone. Being the scapegoat is tough work. People love blaming their mistakes on someone else, while at the same time not sharing the love that they feel entitled to. Sometimes, the mean remarks you expect get under your skin, which no longer makes you an effective scapegoat. Having best friends to help you through this tough time is essential. I have a friend who always tells me "you were the secret MVP" or "It was a really fun game" afterwards and it really boosts the mood and encourages me to be the tension reducer after a particularly rough game. We don't do it for ourselves. We do it for you.
Try being a scapegoat sometime. If people notice, they'll appreciate you more. If they don't, well, they don't know what a good friend they have.
