July 31, 2023 
Introduction
History has witnessed the rise of moral panics that grip societies, fueled by conspiracy theories and fears of hidden malevolence. The 1980s Satanic Panic and the contemporary QAnon “Save the Children” trope are two such phenomena that share remarkable similarities. Both have captivated large segments of the population, generating fear, outrage, and a sense of urgency to protect the innocent. This article explores the commonalities between these two instances of moral hysteria and their impact on society.
The Prevalence of Conspiracy Theories
Both the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and the QAnon “Save the Children” trope are built on elaborate conspiracy theories. During the Satanic Panic, parents, law enforcement, and the media became convinced of a widespread, organized Satanic cult conducting ritualistic abuse of children, with claims of mass kidnappings, human sacrifices, and devil worship. In the case of QAnon, adherents subscribe to the belief in a global pedophile ring involving prominent figures from politics, entertainment, and other sectors, intent on abducting and exploiting children.
Fear of Hidden Evil
Both phenomena center on the fear of hidden evil lurking within society, making it difficult to identify the perpetrators and protect the innocent. The Satanic Panic propagated a climate of suspicion, with accusations often based on repressed memories or hearsay. Similarly, the “Save the Children” trope stirs apprehension by claiming that child trafficking is a vast and pervasive issue, yet remains largely unseen due to a secretive network operating behind the scenes.
Amplification through Media
Both the Satanic Panic and QAnon were fueled by sensationalist media coverage. In the 1980s, books, TV shows, and tabloids sensationalized the stories of alleged Satanic abuse, leading to public outrage and demands for justice. Similarly, social media and online platforms play a significant role in disseminating QAnon’s narratives about “saving the children,” leading to widespread dissemination of unverified claims and conspiracy theories.
Moral Crusades and Vigilantism
Both phenomena spurred moral crusades, encouraging vigilantism and extreme actions in the name of protecting children. During the Satanic Panic, there were instances of wrongful convictions based on dubious evidence, and innocent people were wrongly accused and persecuted. In the QAnon movement, adherents have taken to conducting online investigations and real-world interventions, often leading to confrontations and dangerous situations.
Political and Social Polarization
The Satanic Panic and QAnon both contributed to political and social polarization. During the 1980s, the Satanic Panic became intertwined with conservative religious beliefs and fueled debates about family values and the role of government. Similarly, the “Save the Children” trope has become politicized, with QAnon followers aligning with right-wing ideologies and promoting conspiracies that fit their pre-existing views.
Resilience Despite Debunking
Both phenomena persist despite being debunked and discredited by experts and fact-checkers. The Satanic Panic eventually lost momentum as investigations revealed the lack of credible evidence supporting the claims of widespread Satanic cults. Similarly, despite numerous debunkings of QAnon’s claims, the “Save the Children” trope continues to find new adherents, indicating that belief in such conspiracy theories often transcends rational arguments.
Individuals Affected by the 1980’s Satanic Panic
During the Satanic Panic of the 1980s, numerous innocent individuals found themselves ensnared in a web of false accusations and misjudgments. As fear of Satanic cults and ritualistic abuse spread like wildfire, innocent lives were shattered, careers destroyed, and reputations tarnished. Below are some examples of individuals who were falsely accused during this dark period:
Fran and Dan Keller
Fran and Dan Keller were a married couple who ran a daycare center in Texas. In 1991, they were wrongfully convicted of multiple counts of child sexual abuse based on the testimony of children who had been subjected to suggestive and leading questioning during interviews. The Kellers were accused of engaging in Satanic rituals and abusing children at their daycare. Despite the lack of credible evidence, they were sentenced to prison. It was only in 2013, after serving more than two decades behind bars, that their convictions were overturned, and they were exonerated.
Bernard Baran
Bernard Baran was a young man who worked at a daycare center in Massachusetts. In 1984, he was falsely accused of sexually abusing children in his care. The trial was marred by biased investigations and flawed testimonies, leading to his wrongful conviction. Baran spent over 20 years in prison before his conviction was overturned in 2006. His case shed light on the need for reform in child abuse investigations and the importance of avoiding moral panics in legal proceedings.
Scott and Brenda Kniffen
Scott and Brenda Kniffen were a couple who ran a daycare center in California. They were accused of Satanic ritual abuse and child molestation in the late 1980s. The accusations were based on the testimony of a troubled child who had been coerced by therapists. The Kniffens were wrongfully convicted, and it was only in 1992 that their convictions were overturned due to lack of evidence.
Gary Ramona
Gary Ramona was a father who faced the nightmare of being falsely accused of sexually abusing his daughter. In 1984, his daughter underwent therapy for an eating disorder, and during her sessions, she began making allegations of abuse against her father. Ramona was wrongfully accused and subjected to public humiliation and legal battles. Eventually, the therapist’s methods were discredited, and Ramona was exonerated.
The Amirault Family
The Amirault family, who ran a daycare center in Massachusetts, became entangled in the Satanic Panic when allegations of child abuse surfaced against them. Violet Amirault, along with her daughter Cheryl and son Gerald, were accused of heinous acts involving Satanic rituals and sexual abuse. The allegations were based on questionable interviews and dubious testimonies from young children. In 1987, all three family members were convicted, and Gerald received an astonishing 30 to 40-year prison sentence. The case drew significant media attention and public outcry. However, it was later revealed that the interviews with the children were highly suggestive and leading, and the convictions were overturned in 2002. Sadly, Gerald had already served nearly two decades in prison before his release.
Margaret Kelly Michaels
Another tragic victim of the Satanic Panic was Margaret Kelly Michaels, a teacher at a New Jersey daycare center. She was falsely accused of sexually abusing children and engaging in Satanic rituals with them. The case against her was based on the testimonies of young children who were subjected to coercive and suggestive interviews by therapists. In 1995, after spending five years in prison, Michaels’ conviction was overturned, and she was released. Her case highlighted the dangers of relying on young children’s testimonies in such sensitive cases and the potential for wrongful convictions during moral panics.
Bob and Kathy Kelly
Bob and Kathy Kelly were a couple in California who ran a daycare center. They were accused of Satanic ritual abuse and child molestation in 1983. The accusations were based on the testimony of a young child who had been influenced by suggestive questioning. The Kellys were wrongfully convicted, and Kathy was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The case was riddled with flawed investigative techniques and bias, and their convictions were ultimately overturned in 1991.
McMartin Preschool Case
The McMartin Preschool case was one of the most notorious and high-profile cases of the Satanic Panic era. In 1983, the owners and employees of the McMartin Preschool in California were accused of committing horrific acts of sexual abuse, Satanic rituals, and child pornography. The case was built on sensational media coverage and the testimony of young children who had been subjected to suggestive and leading questioning. Despite numerous trials and a lack of credible evidence, the case continued for years. By the time the last defendant was acquitted in 1990, the McMartin case had become emblematic of the pitfalls of moral panics and the dangers of relying solely on children’s testimonies.
Genesis P Orridge
The Satanic Panic of the 1980s was a dark period in American history, marked by moral hysteria and widespread fear of Satanic cults engaging in ritualistic abuse, especially of children. During this tumultuous time, numerous innocent individuals fell victim to false accusations and unjust persecution. One such individual who endured the devastating consequences of the Satanic Panic was Genesis P-Orridge, an iconic figure in the underground music and arts scene.
Genesis P-Orridge, an avant-garde artist, musician, and cultural provocateur, was a central figure in the industrial music movement and a co-founder of the experimental music group Throbbing Gristle. P-Orridge’s artistic endeavors often challenged societal norms and conventions, leading to controversial and provocative works that explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the human experience.
However, in the midst of the Satanic Panic, P-Orridge’s art and lifestyle came under intense scrutiny. The musician’s public persona, which embraced elements of gender nonconformity and ritualistic performance, was misinterpreted and misconstrued by some as evidence of involvement in Satanic activities.
As the panic spread like wildfire, law enforcement and media outlets sensationalized claims of Satanic cults, ritual abuse, and occult practices. Genesis P-Orridge’s creative expression and exploration of alternative lifestyles were unfairly conflated with the unfounded allegations against Satanic cults. The media portrayed P-Orridge as a sinister and malevolent figure, wrongly associating the artist with the very phenomena they sought to expose.
The consequences of the Satanic Panic were severe for Genesis P-Orridge and others caught in the crossfire. The musician faced hostility from both the public and authorities, with some venues canceling performances and radio stations refusing to play Throbbing Gristle’s music. P-Orridge became a target of threats and harassment, causing immense emotional distress and damage to their reputation.
Tragically, the Satanic Panic also had lasting effects on the underground music and arts community as a whole. Artists and musicians who dared to explore unconventional themes or questioned societal norms found themselves under suspicion and scrutiny. The panic stifled creativity and led to a climate of fear and self-censorship among many artists, impacting the diversity and richness of cultural expression during that time.
Genesis P-Orridge’s experience during the Satanic Panic serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of moral panics and the devastating consequences of false accusations and sensationalism. Despite being vindicated over time, the wounds inflicted during that tumultuous period remained, leaving a lasting impact on P-Orridge’s life and career.
Conclusion
The Satanic Panic of the 1980s and the QAnon “Save the Children” trope are two instances of moral panics that share striking parallels. Both are rooted in elaborate conspiracy theories, thrive on fear of hidden evil, and are amplified through media and social platforms. These phenomena have far-reaching consequences, contributing to political polarization, fostering vigilantism, and undermining public trust in institutions and expertise. Understanding the similarities between these two moral panics can help society recognize and address the dangers of unfounded conspiracies and fear-driven narratives. It serves as a reminder to critically evaluate claims and seek evidence-based approaches to societal issues.
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