Stuff You Should Know Stranger Danger!
Jul 20, 2021
Dive into the 1980s moral panic around child safety, where exaggerated fears led parents to think abduction was just around the corner. Discover how media portrayals shaped societal norms and the significance of the Milk Carton Kids campaign. Explore emotional stories of missing children and the cultural impact of the 'Stranger Danger' movement. Hear about the importance of balancing children's independence with safety in today’s world, along with the bias in media coverage of abductions, especially concerning children of color.
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Etan Patz Case
- Six-year-old Etan Patz vanished in 1979 while walking to the bus stop.
- This case significantly fueled the "stranger danger" panic.
Adam Walsh Case
- Adam Walsh, another six-year-old, was abducted from a Sears store in 1981.
- The discovery of his remains intensified the fear surrounding stranger danger.
Media Bias
- Etan Patz's disappearance sparked national media attention, partly due to his race and his father's profession.
- Media tends to focus on white children, disproportionately affecting public perception of risk.