This essay with attempt to articulate the cultural phenomenon of “Satanic Panic” that occurred in the United States in the early 1980’s and 1990’s. Satanic Panic refers to the phenomenon of collective moral panic in American society. During this time it was believed that satanic rituals, child and animal abuse, and the infiltration of satanic cults into everyday life, was widespread and an immediate threat (Beard 212). This social panic manifested itself in various ways, primarily in the media, film, community groups, and most importantly in the justice system. In particular, daycares and daycare workers, were scrutinized for allegedly participating in satanic activity. As a result, many workers were put on trial due to allegations of satanic
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It uses a mixture of sociological, psychological, and historical evidence and frameworks in order to gain perspective of Satanic panic and how it took root in American society. Victor uses information from the lawsuits about satanism, perceived satanic cult activity, and the social movements/public response to develop an understanding of the origins of Satanic panic. However, he asserts that all claims that suggest that there is a secret Satanic organization at work within the American populace that is targeting children, performing rituals, and infiltrating institutions to incite mayhem has not factually supported. He also claims, like the scholars above, that mass media played an integral role in the spreading of the social hysteria. He even goes further as to suggest that the origins of Satanic Panic were established in the 1960’s when the emergence of different social groups was abundant and the conception of parents mourning the “lost” or “brainwashed” child who joined a “cult”. He continues in stating the the development of the 1970’s anti-cult movement, where groups such as, The Cult Awareness Network and the American Family Foundation, were established, is integral to the comprehension of Satanic Panic as a whole as it places it within a larger
It uses a mixture of sociological, psychological, and historical evidence and frameworks in order to gain perspective of Satanic panic and how it took root in American society. Victor uses information from the lawsuits about satanism, perceived satanic cult activity, and the social movements/public response to develop an understanding of the origins of Satanic panic. However, he asserts that all claims that suggest that there is a secret Satanic organization at work within the American populace that is targeting children, performing rituals, and infiltrating institutions to incite mayhem has not factually supported. He also claims, like the scholars above, that mass media played an integral role in the spreading of the social hysteria. He even goes further as to suggest that the origins of Satanic Panic were established in the 1960’s when the emergence of different social groups was abundant and the conception of parents mourning the “lost” or “brainwashed” child who joined a “cult”. He continues in stating the the development of the 1970’s anti-cult movement, where groups such as, The Cult Awareness Network and the American Family Foundation, were established, is integral to the comprehension of Satanic Panic as a whole as it places it within a larger