Multifaith Matters Joseph Laycock on vampires, gaming and social panics, spirit possession and exorcism, and more
Aug 22, 2021
In this engaging discussion, Joseph Laycock, an assistant professor of religious studies at Texas State University, delves into the fascinating intersections of vampirism, role-playing games, and societal fears. He highlights how modern vampire communities challenge stereotypes, revealing diverse beliefs. The conversation touches on the moral panic surrounding Dungeons & Dragons in the '80s and explores the cultural implications of exorcism and contemporary Satanism, showcasing how these subjects reshape our understanding of religion and society.
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How Vampire Research Began
- Joseph Laycock discovered the modern vampire community while applying to grad school and presenting a paper at AAR. His initial eight-page project expanded as vampire mania (Twilight, True Blood) increased public interest.
Moral Panic As A Common Thread
- Moral panic unites Laycock's diverse interests in monsters, possession, and Satanism. He studies both how societies demonize groups and how those groups respond to the label.
Vampirism As Identity
- Laycock frames many self-identified vampires as an identity group rather than a religion or mental illness. He argues existing categories (religion/illness) obscure more than they reveal about these identities.
