3,544 words
So far in this short series, we have been examining the widespread mass hysteria-like phenomenon of demon-attack panics in contemporary African schools, but gullible children are not only limited to the Third World. Consider events in Houston, Texas, in 1983, when hundreds of schoolchildren (presumably of all races) became convinced they were going to be murdered by the Smurfs. (more…)
2,021 words
Longtime Trav readers know that I am a big fan of what I like to call “time capsule movies”, that is to say movies that only could have been made at a specific time and place. Movies about a short-lived fad while the fad was still ongoing are particularly a favorite of mine. Along those same lines are movies made about a moral panic while the moral panic was still going on. (more…)
2,239 words
2,239 words
There is some good news even in today’s interesting times. One item is that you’re probably not going to perish from the Wuhanic Plague. Some of us already have figured it out. For the rest, the following may be of comfort. (more…)