Consider This from NPR Long Before QAnon Conspiracies, The U.S. Was Swept By 'Satanic Panic'
May 18, 2021
Dive into the unsettling world of conspiracy theories as the podcast links today's QAnon beliefs to the infamous satanic panic of the 1980s. Discover how unfounded accusations during that era, like the McMartin Preschool case, were fueled by media sensationalism and societal fears. Experts discuss the psychological underpinnings of these moral panics, revealing how collective paranoia can shape public perceptions. The conversation explores how historical anxieties about family and childcare resonate with contemporary fears about immigration and technology.
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McMartin Preschool Case
- The McMartin Preschool case, the longest and most expensive criminal trial in U.S. history, involved accusations of satanic ritual abuse.
- Despite horrific allegations of tunnels, rituals, and animal sacrifice, no convictions were made due to lack of evidence.
Social Contagion
- Social contagion fueled the spread of satanic panic, amplified by news reports and criminal investigations.
- This phenomenon, similar to QAnon, demonstrates how ideas can spread rapidly, even before the internet.
Media Amplification
- Geraldo Rivera's documentary on devil worship achieved record ratings, further fueling the satanic panic.
- News stories, books, and even law enforcement training videos amplified the conspiracy theories.
