Scapegoats are often used as substitutes for the actual source of the frustration. for example, members of subordinate racial and ethnic groups are often blamed for societal problems (such as unemployment or an economic recession) over which they have no control.

The statement is true.

Explanation:

Scapegoats are often used by government and media to distract the attention from the real causes of social issues. In their discourse they blame certain population groups or institutions for social problems, such as unemployment, poverty or delinquency. Usually minority groups tend to function as scapegoats. The majority of the population believes and reproduces such discourses, feeling that their racist behaviors are justified and truly believing that if it weren't for a certain racial or ethnic group there wouldn't be unemployment or poverty.

d. i assume the underlined word is "role." reformat if it isn't.

explanation:

role is closest to part because when replacing words, "playing a vital decision," "playing a vital activity," and "playing a vital dollar" don't make logical sense. the only meaningful choice is "playing a vital part."

this fits one of merriam-webster's definitions of role: "a function or part performed especially in a particular operation or process."