"Portera le chapeau" , by Erik Pevernagie, oil on canvas, 100x 80 cm

When something goes wrong or a situation becomes awkward a scapegoat has to be found.

Somebody has to be held responsible.

When people are caught in an embarrassing position, they are anxious to find somebody to hold accountable for their upsetting situation. As they have to save face they need someone to take the blame, to carry the hat (" Porter le chapeau").

Phenomenon: Taking the blame

Factual starting point: Hat