Moral+Panic+in+America

What is Moral Panic?

Briefly research Moral Panic in America

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A moral panic is when large group of people have a reaction to a false belief that another culture or group can threaten their society.


 * The media is usually the feeder of moral panic. “The most common themes in moral panics are the influences and behaviors of young people.” (http://www.iampanicked.com/glossary/moral-panic.htm)

·  A moral panic refers to the reaction of a group of people based on the false belief that another sub-culture or a group poses danger to the society. ·  cause social tensions, they are not open for discussion in public. ·   “Those who start the panic when they fear a threat to prevailing cultural values, are known by researchers as "moral entrepreneurs", while those targeted are known as a "folk devil."

- a heightened level of public concern, often overexaggerated - exaggerated numbers of people allegedly affected by the problem - no class, race or ethnic group or other social group is singled out, basically no one is safe from being accused - influences and behaviors of young people a common influence -" Moral panic is a sociological term, coined by Stanley Cohen, meaning a reaction by a group of people based on the false or exaggerated perception that some cultural behavior or group" - The encouragement for the panic is usually from the media.