You're Wrong About the Satanic Panic

Key takeaways

The Satanic Panic reflected broader societal anxieties about child safety and the roles of women.
The rise of moral panics is often intertwined with cultural, political, and economic contexts.
Modern technology, particularly the internet, changes the speed and nature of moral panics.
Recognizing patterns in history can help us minimize the impact of moral panics in our society.
Media plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and fueling fear, both then and now.

Summary

The Origins of the Satanic Panic

The episode dives into the roots of the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and 90s, detailing the socio-political climate that bred fears of devil worshippers and child abuse. Sarah Marshall shares her personal connection to the era, highlighting the shadowy remnants of panic that persisted through millennial childhood, emphasizing the irrational fears and misunderstandings stemming from strangers and daycare interactions undervalued by society.

Cultural and Political Forces at Play

The podcast explores the confluence of cultural factors during the rise of the Satanic Panic, including feminist movements, the conservative backlash, and the overwhelming presence of Ronald Reagan's policies. The discussions reveal how existing anxieties around child safety and women's roles fed the narrative that painted Satan as the scapegoat for societal issues.

Moral Panics Then and Now

Marshall articulates a definition of 'moral panic', relating it to historical contexts and contemporary echoes of similar worries. The conversation reflects on how modern fears often mirror the old, suggesting the cyclical nature of such panics and their origins in real social anxieties, especially concerning child welfare.

The Role of Media and the Internet

The episode contrasts the media landscape of the 1980s with today’s internet-infused society. Marshall discusses how rapid information dissemination occurs online and how this might alter the dynamics of moral panic. The internet, while amplifying rumors, also facilitates community and dissent against such narratives, allowing for quicker counter-information to emerge.

Lessons from History

Marshall expresses a critical view on the importance of studying history in the face of re-emerging moral panics. She proposes that awareness and knowledge can empower individuals to recognize and mitigate these phenomena, offering the possibility of a more informed and less devastating response if such fears return.

Show notes

In the 1980s, a moral panic swept across America. Parents, prosecutors, and talk show hosts became convinced that devil worshippers were hiding in plain sight, abusing children at daycares, performing ritualistic sacrifices, and corrupting the innocent.

Sarah Marshall of You're Wrong About has a new podcast about this period of Satanic Panic called The Devil You Know. She talks to Ben and Amory about the cultural forces that turned unfounded fears into a nationwide hysteria, and how would the Satanic Panic might have unfolded differently in today's age of social media.

Credits: This episode was produced by Amory Sivertson with assistance from Grace Tatter. It was co-hosted by Ben Brock Johnson and Amory Sivertson, and edited by Meg Cramer. Mix and sound design by Paul Vaitkus.