Moral panic and drugs Essay Example

that only the state can deal with the issue through legislations. An example of a moral panic related to drug use was orchestrated by the media in 1995.

This was after the death of Leah Betts as the result of taking ecstasy (Wood 1). At the time of Leah Betts death, Ecstasy was a new drug whose side effects were unknown. However, at the time, the little research done had shown the likelihood of the drug causing depression and anxiety. The indications, were hypothesized could lead to mental disorder in individuals later in life. In addition, the drug was postulated could kill a person even when taken once, but conclusive evidence about the effects of the drug had not been reached, at the time L. Betts died.

The side effects were unclear at the time. The death of Betts provided a favorable setting for the creation and propagation of a moral panic concerning the use of Ecstasy, as the media portrayed the drug as highly dangerous and a threat to human existence. Exaggerated fears that the drug caused the users, especially youths become irrational addicts were disseminated through the media. The masses were made to believe the use of Ecstasy posed a great threat to human beings. This is because the masses were made to believe the use of the drug was similar to annihilating babies (Wood 2).

People who contradicted the media opinion concerning Ecstasy were seen to have sinned no matter their outright truth. For instance, Mary Hartnoll ascribed that the risk of dying after taking Ecstasy was 0. 0000147% (1/6,800,000) (Toynbee para 3). This was far much lesser compared

to the risk of dying after taking Aspirin. Hartnoll put facts in the presence of the fear created by the media; however, not advocating the use of ecstasy, she was condemned for putting an irresponsible statement. The media fuelled and made the masses accept the drug was dangerous, and its use was against the norms because of the consequences of its side effect.

This created a moral panic among the masses. Conclusion A moral panic is created by the elite in the society, mainly politicians. In addition, the media play a significant role in propagating the panic, exaggerated through fear. The debate surrounding a panic issue is not allowed, and decisions are made by the elite who advantage when the exaggerated fear is believed as the outright truth by the masses. Moral panic has applied to drug use wherein, if the elite individuals want to curtail the use of a certain drug, they orchestrate a moral panic issue that portrays a drug as extremely dangerous, though safe.