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What is a ‘moral panic’? How do moral panics construct particular identities?

A moral panic refers to a widespread social phenomenon characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and outrage over a perceived threat to societal values, norms, or moral standards. It typically involves the exaggeration or distortion of a specific issue or behavior that is believed to pose a significant danger to the social fabric. Moral panics often occur when the media, public figures, or other influential groups amplify and sensationalize the issue, leading to a heightened public concern and a sense of urgency to address the perceived threat.

Moral panics have the power to construct particular identities by attributing deviant or threatening characteristics to specific individuals or groups associated with the perceived threat. Through the process of moral panic, these individuals or groups are stigmatized and marginalized, often leading to the reinforcement of stereotypes and the creation of a moral boundary between the “normative” majority and the perceived “deviant” minority.

Here are some key ways in which moral panics construct particular identities:

1. Creation of Folk Devils: Moral panics often target a particular group or subculture as the scapegoats responsible for the perceived threat. These individuals or groups are portrayed as “folk devils” who embody the feared behavior or pose a risk to societal values. The media and public discourse tend to emphasize their differences, constructing them as dangerous, immoral, or corrupting influences on society. This construction of deviant identities reinforces stereotypes and prejudices against the targeted group.

2. Amplification of Negative Attributes: Moral panics tend to exaggerate and highlight negative attributes associated with the targeted individuals or groups. By emphasizing specific behaviors or characteristics, moral panics contribute to the construction of a collective identity that is defined by these negative traits. This process can lead to the stigmatization and marginalization of the targeted group, further reinforcing the perceived threat.

3. Construction of a Moral Boundary: Moral panics often result in the delineation of a moral boundary that separates the “normative” majority from the “deviant” minority. This boundary reinforces social norms, values, and identities associated with the dominant group. The construction of this moral boundary creates an “us vs. them” mentality, fostering social cohesion among the majority while isolating and excluding the targeted individuals or groups.

4. Impact on Self-Identity: Moral panics can significantly impact the self-identity of individuals associated with the targeted group. The stigmatization and marginalization resulting from moral panics can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and a loss of social belonging. The construction of deviant identities may affect how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others, potentially influencing their behavior and social interactions.

It is important to recognize that moral panics are often fueled by misinformation, fear, and moral judgments rather than objective evidence. They can perpetuate social inequalities, discrimination, and injustice by constructing and perpetuating negative identities. Critical analysis and thoughtful engagement with media narratives and public discourse are essential in challenging moral panics and promoting a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of diverse identities.

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