Satanic panics elsewhere

by Feòrag

Norway: The Norwegian magazine Skepsis has a blog, mostly Norwegian-language articles about snake oil, UFOs and conspiracies. There are a couple of English items there, one of which is a thorough overview of Norway's own satanic panic, and the media's role in fanning the flames.

The promotion of stereotypical images of 'Satanism' in Norway started late. For a short time, the Norwegian press followed examples from England and the US in pressing claims of widespread Satanism involved in ritual abuse, but this unleashed few of the same reactions. At the same time as reports of "survivors" peaked, the phenomenon of black metal "Satanism" reached the public. Soon teenage arsonists and killers made new headlines, and contributed to another image being constructed.

The one Norwegian Satanic abuse panic resembled the American cases more than the British, centering on a kindergarten in Bjugn.

A postscript to the article notes that the police officer used as a Satanic abuse 'expert' has been arrested on suispicion of indecent exposure.

Media Constructions of 'Satanism' in Norway (1988-1997)—Skepsis, not dated.

There were also panics in the Netherlands, notably Oude Pekela, leading the government to commission a report, which concluded it was all in the mind, emphasising the need for corroborating evidence. An unofficial English translation has been made.