Moral panics and regulation
In 1972, Stanley Cohen developed the moral panic theory. This encompassed ideas of folk devils in society.
Moral panic happens when "a condition, episode, person or group of persons emerges to become defined as a threat to societal values and interests".
His research was based on the mods and rockers in the 1960s, but have since been applied in the media.
The stages of social panic
-Someone, something or a group are defined as a threat to social norms or community interests.
-The threat is then depicted in a simple and recognisable symbol/ form by the media.
-The portrayal of his symbol rouses public concern.
-There is a response from authorities and policy makers.
-The moral panic over the issues results in social changes within the community.
-VHS is introduced. Audiences con now rewind and rematch segments of film.
-The Jamie Bulgar case in the UK focused public attention on screen violence.
People want to ban young black boys making drill music. On BBC London News drill is seen as unacceptable.
When James Bulger was abducted and murdered there was a moral panic. It had come to a shock to everyone that two young boys could commit such a brutal act.
Moral panic often come from the older people panicking about the interests in the young people.
Regulatory Bodies
A number of regulatory bodies operate within the UK.
For television, there is Ofcom. Since 2004, they have regulated all broadcast content across UK television channels.
It has a statutory duty to represent the interests of citizens and consumers by promoting competition and protecting the public from harmful or offensive material.
Complaints to Ofcom might result in a show, or segment of a show, being pulled off air.
X Factor and Doctor Who
X Factor need to use Section 1 (protecting those under the age of 18). They will do this by having no swear words in the acts songs.
Doctor Who will use Section 1 (protecting those under the age of 18). They stick by section one as they do not have any scenes which include violence that some viewers would find disturbing.
X Factor follow section 4 (Religion) any person from any background is allowed to go on X Factor. If X Factor did not allow a specific people with certain beliefs they would have lots of complaints and most likely lose viewers.
Doctor Who also follow Section 4 (Religion) in the Doctor Who cast there is a diversity of different people with different beliefs. They have also introduced a women as the new doctor for the first time.
X Factor follow Section 6 (Fairness) in X factor all contesters are given the same chance to succeed. The judges are the same of everyone contestant as well.
Doctor Who follow Section 2 (Protection to harmful and offence) they do this by making sure there is never any racial slurs or offensive language in any of their episodes.
Moral panic happens when "a condition, episode, person or group of persons emerges to become defined as a threat to societal values and interests".
His research was based on the mods and rockers in the 1960s, but have since been applied in the media.
The stages of social panic
-Someone, something or a group are defined as a threat to social norms or community interests.
-The threat is then depicted in a simple and recognisable symbol/ form by the media.
-The portrayal of his symbol rouses public concern.
-There is a response from authorities and policy makers.
-The moral panic over the issues results in social changes within the community.
-VHS is introduced. Audiences con now rewind and rematch segments of film.
-The Jamie Bulgar case in the UK focused public attention on screen violence.
People want to ban young black boys making drill music. On BBC London News drill is seen as unacceptable.
When James Bulger was abducted and murdered there was a moral panic. It had come to a shock to everyone that two young boys could commit such a brutal act.
Moral panic often come from the older people panicking about the interests in the young people.
Regulatory Bodies
A number of regulatory bodies operate within the UK.
For television, there is Ofcom. Since 2004, they have regulated all broadcast content across UK television channels.
It has a statutory duty to represent the interests of citizens and consumers by promoting competition and protecting the public from harmful or offensive material.
Complaints to Ofcom might result in a show, or segment of a show, being pulled off air.
X Factor and Doctor Who
X Factor need to use Section 1 (protecting those under the age of 18). They will do this by having no swear words in the acts songs.
Doctor Who will use Section 1 (protecting those under the age of 18). They stick by section one as they do not have any scenes which include violence that some viewers would find disturbing.
X Factor follow section 4 (Religion) any person from any background is allowed to go on X Factor. If X Factor did not allow a specific people with certain beliefs they would have lots of complaints and most likely lose viewers.
Doctor Who also follow Section 4 (Religion) in the Doctor Who cast there is a diversity of different people with different beliefs. They have also introduced a women as the new doctor for the first time.
X Factor follow Section 6 (Fairness) in X factor all contesters are given the same chance to succeed. The judges are the same of everyone contestant as well.
Doctor Who follow Section 2 (Protection to harmful and offence) they do this by making sure there is never any racial slurs or offensive language in any of their episodes.
Teo
ReplyDeleteA solid grasp of all ethical issues. You also discuss moral panics with confidence, however I would expect more detail in your examples - e.g. Jamie Bulger - how did that represent a moral panic?
Please leave a comment below as a reflection on feedback and explaining any changes you have made.
Mr P