The Media's Role in Creating Folk Devils

The media plays a powerful role in shaping public opinion and can contribute to the creation of "folk devils" - individuals or groups who are demonized and blamed for societal problems. This essay will explore how the media, through its portrayal of certain groups and issues, can fuel moral panics and reinforce negative stereotypes.

Youth subcultures have often been targeted by the media as folk devils. In the 1960s, the Mods and Rockers, two distinct youth subcultures, were sensationalized by newspapers for their clashes on Brighton beach. Headlines like "Day of Terror by Scooter Gangs" (Daily Mirror, 1964) created a climate of fear and exaggerated the scale of the violence. This media frenzy contributed to the perception of these young people as dangerous delinquents, fuelling moral panic and leading to increased police surveillance.

More recently, knife crime has become a focal point for media attention. Young males, particularly those from ethnic minority backgrounds, are often portrayed as perpetrators and are linked to gang culture. While the issue of knife crime is a serious concern, the media's focus on certain demographics risks reinforcing negative stereotypes and creating a climate of fear. This can lead to discriminatory practices, such as increased stop and search of young black men, as seen in the aftermath of the London riots in 2011.

Even clothing choices have been demonized. The "hoody" became a symbol of youth disorder in the early 2000s, with some public places even banning them. This demonization, fuelled by media imagery associating hoodies with anti-social behaviour, unfairly targeted young people and ignored the complex social factors contributing to youth crime.

The media's tendency to simplify complex issues and create scapegoats extends beyond youth. During the 2008 credit crunch, bankers were vilified as greedy and irresponsible individuals responsible for the economic collapse. While their actions undoubtedly played a part, the media's focus on individual bankers deflected attention from the systemic issues within the financial industry and wider economic factors.

Similarly, drug users are often portrayed as morally flawed individuals responsible for their own downfall. This simplistic narrative ignores the social and economic factors that contribute to drug addiction and fuels stigma against those struggling with substance abuse. Likewise, immigrants are frequently scapegoated in the media, blamed for a range of social ills from unemployment to crime. This portrayal ignores the positive contributions of immigrants and fuels xenophobia and discrimination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the media has a significant influence on public perceptions and can contribute to the creation of folk devils. By simplifying complex issues and focusing on sensationalized narratives, the media can create moral panics and reinforce negative stereotypes. It is crucial to be critical consumers of media and to recognize the potential for bias and exaggeration in its portrayal of individuals and groups.