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You're Wrong About
Dungeons & Dragons & The Satanic Panic with Adrian Daub
Aug 20, 2024
In this discussion, Adrian Daub, an author and scholar focused on cultural phenomena, recounts the wild 1980s fears surrounding Dungeons & Dragons and its supposed ties to devil worship. He explores the absurd societal anxieties of the time, including the tragic case of James Dallas Egbert III, and critiques media sensationalism. The conversation delves into gaming's cultural significance, the evolution of D&D, and its role in identity and creativity amidst the moral panic, reflecting on lessons that still resonate today.
01:10:20
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Quick takeaways
- The satanic panic of the 1980s linked Dungeons & Dragons to societal fears about youth behavior, driven by tragic events like Egbert's disappearance.
- Media figures, particularly Pat Pulling, fueled misconceptions about D&D, amplifying unfounded claims of its connection to violence and suicide.
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The Origins of the Panic
The satanic panic of the 1980s was notably fueled by the beliefs surrounding Dungeons and Dragons (D&D), a role-playing game that gained immense popularity on college campuses. Central to this panic was the case of James Dallas Egbert III, a brilliant teenager who vanished under mysterious circumstances, leading to unfounded claims that his disappearance was connected to his involvement with D&D. Media coverage helped solidify the association between the game and societal fears about youth and morality, effectively linking Egbert's tragic suicide a year later to the game's influence. This highlighted a deep-seated need among adults to find scapegoats for complex issues regarding childhood behavior and mental health, turning innocuous pastimes into sources of fear.
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