In a comprehensive history of the Satanic Panic, the hague roman wrote for vox They argued that the panic “never really disappeared” and that it “has been passed down into American culture and politics, from social media morality to QAnon.” Call Me by Your Name)” citing backlash to the music video. The trial of Amanda Knox, in which Knox was described as “a Luciferian, satanic, satanic, satanic, deceptive witch.” And then, of course, there’s QAnon.
“It is easier to believe that the dark forces are orchestrating negative events than to believe that powerful people, including our leaders, are simply greedy and incompetent.”
While there are some key differences between the Satanic Panic of the 80s and the QAnon-adjacent ritualistic, satanic theories of child abuse, Romano notes: The blood-drinking scenes, the children cutting off body parts, the witches’ scenes are almost the same.
This vigilance can be seen in many reactions to Balenciaga’s campaign. A prominent stylist, Lotta Volkova has become a target of her users on social media. Identified As “a designer of Balenciaga,” she Posted image In a photo of an unnamed model holding two dolls that appear to be covered in fake blood, you mistakenly identify the model as Volkova.
“What do you want me to believe? [Balenciaga] Was it an accident? No, they are diabolical pedophiles who need to be exposed…” Tweet Along with a derogatory TikTok about Volkova.
A Volkova spokesperson said: Newsweek She “has not worked with Balenciaga or its team since 2018 and has not participated in any of the brand’s recent Instagram or advertising campaigns.”
Elsewhere on Twitter, users posting to the hashtag #BalenciagaGate incorrectly associate Balenciaga with Hillary Clinton (here), Kamala Harris (here), Celine Dion (here) – Satanic imagery is scattered throughout.
Where do you go from here?
In the midst of a resurgent moral panic, Balenciaga’s dramatic oversights constantly fueled existing conspiracy theories. But why are some of us more inclined to believe in a satanic, child-abusing cabal than a more realistic explanation for corporate incompetence?
Mike Rothschild, author of The Storm Is On Us: How QAnon Became Every Movement, Cult And Conspiracy Theorydirectly involved in this question, wrote:
“Q makes people feel like they are part of something bigger than their little lives. It gives followers a noble purpose. It is easier to believe that the dark forces are orchestrating negative events than to believe that powerful people, including their leaders, are simply greedy or incompetent.
talk GlamourMike reflects on the enduring nature of Satanic conspiracy theories, emphasizing that anything involving children makes people “out of their senses.”
“It separates you from family, friends, and hobbies. The things you cared about and the people you once had in your life don’t mean so much anymore.”
“You kind of become a self-proclaimed crusader,” he adds. “Even if what you are against the crusade does not exist. I am saying to […] It’s not about children. It’s about you, it’s about your feelings and your truth.
“And this is very obscene and bizarre and makes you feel like you’re touching something forbidden, but it shouldn’t be. It’s evil. Have the courage to face evil. It’s not, but I think I would, because the rest of my life isn’t that interesting.
of the storm is upon usMike highlights the dangerous path those who engage in these theories often tread, including committing domestic terrorism. Glamour, They also wreak havoc on personal relationships.
“It pulls you away from family, friends and hobbies. The things you used to care about and the people who were involved in your life don’t mean so much anymore because you start to see everything wrapped up.” Confront conspiracies in a secret war.
“And of course the people around you don’t want to hear about it. […] And it feels very alienating to everyone else, isolating you and forcing you to go deep into a community of other people who believe the same things. ”
It may sound extreme to conclude that engaging in distant theories about Balenciaga can lead to full-blown paranoia, but alas, it is Exactly conspiracy theory mechanism. So how do you condemn Balenciaga’s unacceptable behavior without furthering a far-right conspiracy?
Was the Balenciaga shoot in bad taste? Yes, of course. But there is absolutely no meaningful evidence to suggest it was anything more than that.
For more information about Glamor UK, visit Lucy Morganfollow her on Instagram @lucyalexsandra.