Folk Devils and Moral Panics

In this week's reading, we were assigned to read Charles Krinsky's, Moral Panics over Contempory Children and Youth (2008). In this reading, Krinsky takes a look at Stanley Cohen's work on the subject of Moral Panics in the media. Cohen's work, (entitled Folk Devils and Moral Panics, 1972), gave an insight (or foundation if you like,) to the whole subject of Moral Panics. A Moral Panic is defined as, a reaction based on a false or exaggerated perception that some cultural behaviour or group is a threat. As a result of this, society then targets a social group or activity (for example, the swine flu pandemic or the London Riots 2011), as a threat to society.

Mods and Rockers

Back in the 1960's, a Moral Panic was not as drastic or threatening as they are nowadays. An example of this would be the idea that homosexual or bisexual relationships in the 1960's. It was seen as improper. Cohen then led into the idea of the teenagers of the time as a threat. This was known clearer by Cohen's example of 'Mod's and Rockers'. Cohen then touched upon a definition for those in society who defy the social norm and labelled these as 'Folk Devils'.

PANIC!!

From when Cohen's theory was originally written, there have been different types of Moral Panics, some al lot worse than those back when the the theory was written. A good example of this is the idea of Mods and Rockers, (who, at the time, where just a social group), verses the 2011 London Riots. Krinsky (2008), suggests that most outcasts had to define themselves due to mass media attacks; most aimed at the British Youth. This included, homosexuals and the homeless.

The idea that technology can cause
a lot of trouble.

Krinsky agrees with Cohen's theory of Moral Panics but then also touches on the idea that a Moral Panic is not just a group of unsocial teenagers, but also events or threats that could massively effect society. For example, The war in Afghanistan, Bird Flu, Swine Flu and even the London riots of 2011. However, the London riots of 2011 can be seen as quite contradictory as it was youths in which had provoked the riots. Through some evidence we can also say that the ideas of new technology has also become a moral panic as there are devices used in which provoke ideas and influence society, for example the Blackberry scandal.

A message sent via BBM during the
London Riots 2011

During the time of the London Riots, Blackberry messenger (BBM) was disabled throughout the country as youths were sending messages to attack specific areas of the country. This caused havoc for every user, including those who weren't involved in the riots. This was eventually seen as a bad idea as more rioters has joined the cause due to the fact that they were unable to use the function on the phone.


In conclusion, a Moral Panic can be caused by a number of reasons, whether it is due to a specific social group being aimed and harassed until they are pushed to the limit, (London Riots 2011), or whether it is something that can effect the whole of the nation (e.g. swine flu). 

Moral Panic??

Nothing to worry about guys...