Is Horror Dangerous?

We’re back and we’re starting a moral panic. It’s good to have a hobby. While riling up frightened mobs isn’t everyone’s idea of a good time, it certainly helps us unwind after a hard day’s podcasting. In order to start up a good moral panic, however, one really needs something to blame. And if cultural history has taught us anything, it’s that horror makes a terrific scapegoat. So let’s grab the pitchforks and storm the very concept of that spooky old castle on the hill! Main Topic: Is Horror Dangerous? This episode, we’re trying to work out why so many people are afraid of horror. No, hang on, let’s clarify that. Horror is supposed to scare you, but does that mean you should be afraid of it as a genre? Is there something dangerous about horror? Can it cause psychological or even physical harm? Does it lead to moral corruption or erode the fabric of society? And won’t someone please think of the children?! Our discussion takes in such thorny topics as moral panics, censorship, religion, politics, suicide, PTSD, animal cruelty and Mary Whitehouse. You have been warned. Links Things we mention in this episode include: * Moral panics * The Appeal of Horror * Extreme Subjects in Gaming * Scream Unseen at the Odeon * A Very Nervous Person’s Guide to Horror Films by Mathias Clasen * Danse Macabre by Stephen King * Disgust in Horror * Content warnings * doesthedogdie.com * Cannibal Holocaust (1980) * Video nasties * Snuff films * Snuff (1975) * Man who died laughing at The Goodies * The Goodies * I Spit on Your Grave (1978) * William Castle * The Tingler (1959) * Macabre (1958) * The Exorcist (1973) *