Revisiting the Satanism Paranoia of the 70's and 80's

Not since the end of the Salem witch trials had the United States endured such a major concern about the presence of dark practices within her borders. This one wasn't about the evil eye or casting spells, but about child abduction and the subliminal messages in songs and Halloween emblems. For several years in the late 70's and extending into the early 80's, every Halloween brought on a rumor of a small neighborhood blond girl who would be kidnapped for sacrificing at midnight.

Parents were concerned with the evil intentions of those who practiced various satanic religions and witchcraft. Everyone suspected the odd looking or strange acting person up the street might be a member of a secret coven that was rumored to meet in the area. I even remember working at a company and having many who were afraid of a woman who was Wiccan. Unusual mutilations of cows, dogs, and other animals only fueled the fire. Bizarre lyrics and stage antics of artists such as Ozzie Osbourne coupled with the continuing drug culture helped raise the paranoia to new heights.

A number of strange movies and documentaries appeared to keep the interest going. The reality is that probably there were no more such movies than were ever released over a given time. Creep and horror movies are always staples at the box office. In the mood of the time, they just seemed to be one more cog on the wheel.

It could be argued from a religious perspective that this was a time of intense spiritual warfare. However, it was the conservative Christian base of the Moral Majority that seemed to light the fire of interest in the first place. This built a sense of "us against them" among the more superstitious of the Christian right. Even demon possession seemed to be brought to the table. There were great concerns raised about whether even practicing Christians might be possessed by some powerful dark power.