Moral Panics: The Fearful Voices Resisting Progress
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Chapter 1: Understanding Moral Panics
Moral panics are emerging today as reactions against cultural advancements, societal transformations, and technological breakthroughs, much like the wildfires ignited by climate change. Historically, there have always been individuals who vocally advocate for regression rather than progress.
Photo by Boston Public Library on Unsplash
A moral panic can be described as a phenomenon where certain individuals, groups, or conditions are perceived as threats to societal norms and values. Those who voice these fears often leave a lasting impression on history, which tends to view their sentiments with a mix of humor, disdain, and pity.
I have a personal interest in documenting these perspectives. Throughout history, numerous fearful individuals have vehemently opposed progress and transformation. Here are a few notable examples:
Raging Against the Written Word
“If men learn (the written word), it will implant forgetfulness in their souls; they will cease to exercise memory because they rely on that which is written, calling things to remembrance no longer from within themselves, but by means of external marks…” ~Plato, Phaedrus
Raging Against the Bicycle
“It is beyond doubt that bicycle riding, if continued, leads to mental weakness, general insanity, and even violent behavior.” ~ 1894 article in The New York Times titled “Lunacy in England”
Raging Against the Telephone
“The Americans have need of the telephone, but we do not. We have plenty of messenger boys.” ~ Sir William Preece, chief engineer, British Post Office, 1876
Raging Against the Novel
“The unrestricted access that many young people have to romances, novels, and plays has tainted the minds and corrupted the morals of many promising youths…” — Reverend Enos Hitchcock, Memoirs of the Bloomsgrove Family, 1790
Raging Against the Personal Computer
“There is no reason for any individual to have a computer in his [sic] home.” ~ Ken Olsen, president, Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)
Chapter 2: The Motivations Behind Fear
Powerful interests often drive these regressive viewpoints. Fearful individuals may resort to threats or even violence in an attempt to hinder genuine progress. These frightened voices act like caltrops, obstructing the pathway to meaningful change.