Media Folk Devils Examples

**Introduction**

In sociology, the concept of "folk devils" refers to individuals or groups who are demonized and portrayed as a threat to society through the media. This phenomenon plays a crucial role in shaping public perceptions and influences the societal responses towards these individuals or groups. This essay will discuss examples of media folk devils, analyzing how specific groups have been misrepresented and stigmatized in the media.

**Youth Sub-Cultures: The Mods and the Rockers**
One classic example of media folk devils is the portrayal of youth sub-cultures such as the mods and the rockers in the 1960s. Stanley Cohen's study highlighted how the media sensationalized conflicts between these groups, painting them as troublemakers responsible for acts of violence and social disturbance. The clash between the mods and rockers at seaside resorts was blown out of proportion by the media, leading to a moral panic about the perceived dangers posed by these subcultures.

**Knife Crime: Young Males from Ethnic Minorities**
Another example of media folk devils is the representation of young males, often from ethnic minority backgrounds, involved in knife crime. The media often depicts these individuals as belonging to gang lifestyles, posing a significant threat to society. This portrayal reinforces negative stereotypes about young men from certain backgrounds and perpetuates fear and bias against them.

**Hoodies: Symbol of Out-of-Control Youth**
The 'hoody' phenomenon is another instance where the media created a folk devil out of a clothing item. The hoodie became a symbol of 'out-of-control youth,' leading to the banning of youths wearing hoodies from public places in certain regions. Media narratives associated with hoodies stigmatized young people wearing them, contributing to the marginalization of youth culture based on fashion choices.

**Bankers: Responsible for Economic Collapse**
During the global financial crisis and the subsequent credit crunch, bankers were demonized by the media and portrayed as the folk devils responsible for the international economic collapse and recession. The media fueled public anger towards bankers, framing them as greedy individuals whose actions had catastrophic consequences for the economy and society as a whole.

**Drug Users and Rave Culture**
Studies by authors like Howard Parker and Simon Parker have demonstrated how drug users are negatively portrayed in the media as 'delinquents' and 'losers,' reinforcing stigmas around drug use. Similarly, Critcher's analysis of rave culture highlighted how media representations depicted participants as deviant and dangerous, contributing to the criminalization and marginalization of rave subculture.

**Ethnic Minorities and Immigrants**
Ethnic minorities, particularly immigrants, are often targeted as folk devils in the media, with blame attributed to them for issues such as job scarcity and social conflict. Media narratives that paint immigrants as job-stealers or cultural threats can fuel xenophobia and discrimination, perpetuating division and prejudice within society.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, media folk devils play a significant role in shaping public perceptions and constructing social realities. Through sensationalized portrayals and stigmatizing narratives, certain individuals or groups are demonized and marked as threats to societal norms and values. Understanding how media representations contribute to the creation of folk devils is crucial in critically analyzing the mechanisms through which social control and power dynamics operate in contemporary society.