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Moral Panic 101: A Deep Dive into the Anatomy of Fear-Mongering and Its Impact on Society

Roger Turner

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Published in Quarterly Essay 67 Moral Panic 101: Equality Acceptance And The Safe Schools Scandal

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In her latest Quarterly Essay, acclaimed writer Anna Goldsworthy delves into the anatomy of moral panics – the sudden surges of public fear and outrage that can have far-reaching consequences. Goldsworthy explores the history of moral panics, from the Salem witch trials to the satanic ritual abuse scare of the 1980s, and examines the role of the media, politicians, and other powerful actors in manufacturing and perpetuating these panics.

Quarterly Essay 67 Moral Panic 101: Equality, Acceptance and the Safe Schools Scandal

by Benjamin Law

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	130 pages

'Moral Panic 101' is a timely and thought-provoking examination of a phenomenon that has the power to shape our laws, policies, and even our understanding of ourselves. Goldsworthy argues that moral panics are not simply irrational outbursts of fear, but rather carefully orchestrated campaigns designed to control and manipulate public opinion.

Goldsworthy identifies a number of common features of moral panics. First, they are often based on a perceived threat to traditional values or social norms. Second, they are fueled by a sense of urgency and moral outrage. Third, they are often used to justify repressive measures against marginalized groups.

Goldsworthy shows how moral panics have been used throughout history to target a wide range of groups, including witches, communists, homosexuals, and immigrants. She also examines the role of the media in amplifying and perpetuating moral panics, and the ways in which politicians have used moral panics to gain power and control.

'Moral Panic 101' is a timely and important book. It is a reminder that fear is a powerful tool that can be used to manipulate and control people. It is also a call to be vigilant against the forces that seek to divide us and turn us against each other.

The Anatomy of a Moral Panic

Moral panics are characterized by a number of common features, including:

A perceived threat to traditional values or social norms
A sense of urgency and moral outrage
The use of repressive measures against marginalized groups

Moral panics are often triggered by a specific event or incident, such as a crime or a natural disaster. However, the event itself is not the cause of the moral panic. Rather, it is the way in which the event is interpreted and framed by the media, politicians, and other powerful actors.

The media plays a particularly important role in moral panics. The media can amplify and perpetuate a moral panic by providing a platform for fear-mongering and by creating a sense of urgency and moral outrage.

Politicians can also play a role in moral panics by using them to gain power and control. Politicians may exploit moral panics to justify repressive measures against marginalized groups or to scapegoat them for social problems.

The Consequences of Moral Panics

Moral panics can have a number of negative consequences, including:

The erosion of civil liberties
The scapegoating of marginalized groups
The creation of a climate of fear and distrust

Moral panics can also lead to long-term social and political changes. For example, the satanic ritual abuse scare of the 1980s led to the passage of a number of laws that made it easier to prosecute alleged child abusers. These laws had a devastating impact on the lives of many innocent people, including parents who were falsely accused of abusing their children.

How to Resist Moral Panics

There are a number of things that we can do to resist moral panics. First, we need to be aware of the warning signs of a moral panic. Second, we need to be critical of the information that we are presented with by the media and other sources.

Third, we need to speak out against moral panics and the scapegoating of marginalized groups. Finally, we need to work together to build a more just and equitable society that is less susceptible to moral panics.

Moral panics are a serious threat to our civil liberties and our social fabric. They are manufactured by powerful actors to control and manipulate public opinion. We need to be aware of the warning signs of moral panics and be critical of the information that we are presented with. We also need to speak out against moral panics and the scapegoating of marginalized groups. By working together, we can build a more just and equitable society that is less susceptible to moral panics.

About the Author

Anna Goldsworthy is an Australian writer and journalist. She is the author of several books, including 'The Secret: A Translation of the Bhagavad Gita' and 'Welcome to Your Period: The Essential Guide for New Menstruators'. Her work has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald.

Quarterly Essay 67 Moral Panic 101: Equality, Acceptance and the Safe Schools Scandal

by Benjamin Law

5 out of 5