Moral Panics

Moral Panics

1. Every new medium introducted in 20th/21st century so far have resulted in public concern and moral panics over their effects:

   • 1990s: sexual content of silent films
   • 1930s: the radio and influence of crooners on housewives
   • 1950s: TVs influence on the family E.G. James Bulgar - torchured by teenagers, supposedly after they'd watched 'Childs Play' later found in their home
   • 1980s: violent video nasties
   • 1990s: violence in computer games
   • 1990-2010s: the safety of the internet and paedophiles' ability to contact children

2. Media generated public outcry against a group community or practice considered threatening and/or dangerous

   • Current news related stories
     • Migrants from Syria are all 'wannabe' terrorists
       • http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3322960/The-Syrian-passports-terror-EIGHT-migrants-got-Europe-papers-stadium-suicide-bomber.html
         • Daily Mail
         • November 2015
         • Written by Ian Drury Home Affairs Correspondent For The Daily Mail
         • Forgery Fears: Passport found on suicide bomber - 8 Migrants reached Europe with passports almost identical
         • Triggered a debate about the open borders policy
         • Same name, DOB, Place of Birth Different picture
         • Keith Vaz, Labour chairman of the home affairs select committee: ‘We need to urgently provide EU countries on the southern border with the equipment and expertise to deal with this immigration fraud. To fail to do so will put the lives of EU citizens at risk.’
     • "10 moving photos of Europe's migrant crisis" - Article
       • http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34137358
         • Photo 8: Syrian man holding his children
           • Manly men showing emotion - crying
           • Emotive - holding his children, loving, caring, family man
           • Close-up angle - shows full facial expression, emotion - worry, concern, upset
           • Controversy/Debate: are they doing more good by capturing the moment and raising awareness or would they benefit more by getting actively involved and helping the people in need?

3. Current Moral Panics

   • Violent Videogames
   • Gun Control
   • Hackers
   • Immigrants
   • Terrorism

4. Focus of concern = Violence and sexual imagery - of interest to younger audiences

   • Fuels concerns about power & influence of the media over the minds of the vulnerable
     • Affecting children only? Hypodermic Needle?