The Gray Area with Sean Illing Why are we so worried about Satan?
May 6, 2021
In a captivating conversation, Sarah Marshall, co-host of the You're Wrong About podcast, dives into the phenomenon of the Satanic Panic of the 1980s. She explores how sensational media and societal fears created a moral panic, impacting countless lives along the way. Sarah highlights how cultural anxieties surrounding satanic rituals continue to echo today, linking these fears to modern conspiracy theories like QAnon. With insightful humor, they also discuss America's unique obsession with evil, revealing its roots in the nation’s history.
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Michelle Remembers Case
- The "Michelle Remembers" case sparked the Satanic Panic, featuring recovered memories of satanic ritual abuse.
- This book influenced law enforcement training, leading to flawed investigations.
Flawed Investigations
- Social workers and police, influenced by "Michelle Remembers," sought evidence of satanic cults.
- Their investigations relied on aggressive questioning of children, often leading to false confirmations of satanic abuse.
McMartin Case and Spread of Panic
- The McMartin Preschool case, the first major Satanic Panic case, gained national attention.
- The panic spread rapidly across the US, fueled by media coverage and professional training.
