Dungeons & Dragons & The Satanic Panic with Adrian Daub
Aug 20, 2024
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Adrian Daub, a Stanford professor and literary scholar, explores the 1980s satanic panic over Dungeons & Dragons. He shares the fascinating history of how parental fears and media sensationalism distorted perceptions of the game. They discuss the disappearance of James Dallas Egbert III and the cultural impact of role-playing games. Daub emphasizes the importance of imaginative play, challenging the misconceptions that fueled public hysteria and critiquing how societal norms shaped the narrative around D&D and its players.
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.
Despite the panic, Dungeons & Dragons gained popularity through the Streisand effect, with the community thriving amid societal criticism and increasing engagement.
Deep dives
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.
Role of Media and Public Figures
Media figures and so-called experts played a significant role in perpetuating the narrative that D&D was harmful. Pat Pulling, a grieving mother who lost her son, became a key spokesperson, amplifying fears through media appearances and fear-mongering claims about the game. She suggested a direct correlation between D&D and cases of violence and suicide, despite lacking solid evidence to support her assertions. The hysteria surrounding her messages was compounded by sensationalist media reporting, which often mischaracterized the nature of the game, reinforcing its link to moral decay rather than recognizing it as a harmless creative outlet for young people.
Cultural and Social Context
The panic over D&D reflected broader societal anxieties regarding youth autonomy and the breakdown of traditional family structures during the 1980s. As this generation of latchkey children became more engaged in activities outside parental supervision, their interests began to be perceived as a threat. The game, characterized by fantasy and imaginative play, was viewed by some parents as a deviation from typical childhood interests, leading to misconceptions about its influence on players. This cultural lens contributed to a narrative wherein imaginative play became synonymous with dangerous behaviors, ultimately marking a shift in how hobbies were viewed by society.
The Impact on D&D
Despite the negativity surrounding D&D during the satanic panic, the game actually saw increased popularity and commercial success as a result of the media frenzy. The panic inadvertently led to robust sales of the game and related merchandise, showcasing the Streisand effect, where efforts to suppress information result in heightened interest. Compounding this, the emergence of D&D video games introduced the franchise to a new audience, further entrenching its place in popular culture. In contrast to the panic, the D&D community thrived, as enthusiasts rallied against the unfounded claims, highlighting the resilience of the hobby and its players amid ongoing societal criticism.
Lasting Legacy and Reflection
The satanic panic over D&D serves as a lens through which to examine generational fears and societal responses to new cultural phenomena. It underscores how moral panics often emerge from fears of the unknown, particularly in contexts where parental control seems diminished. This period of anxiety also reflects a pervasive misunderstanding of youth culture and the importance of accepting diverse forms of expression and creativity. Ultimately, the legacy of the D&D panic continues to resonate today, prompting discussions around fantasy, identity, and the freedom to explore imaginative worlds in a society that often seeks to constrain such exploration.
This week we travel back to the 80s, when America’s parents decided to freak out over some kids rolling dice and drawing things on graph paper! Adrian Daub walks Sarah through the history of Dungeons & Dragons, and the panic it inspired.
Content note: The story we're telling today also involves suicide; please listen with care.
