Out Here in the Feels #10: Satanic Panic!? 😟
Welcome back to Out Here in the Feels, the newsletter where my creative pals and I dive into existential quandaries so you don’t have to.
I’m Francy. 👋🏼
This month, we’re searching for meaning in the cavernous depths of Dungeons & Dragons. Continuing the conversation, I asked my correspondents how they’d respond to those who call the game “dorky”… or even “evil!”
“When someone calls you ‘weird,’ just say ‘thank you.’” 🤓
Meet writer/director Nichole Lim from Nashville, TN.
She continues thoughtfully: “To be unique and pursue something only possible through community and creative communication is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a human.”
And then, there’s this:
“There was propaganda in the early 80s around what they called ‘Satanic Panic.’ I had family that was very concerned about me, so I did my research. Evil? Excuse me while I temper my temper.” 😤
So what’s “Satanic Panic?” Here’s what ChatGPT has to say:
“In the early 80s, some believed that Dungeons & Dragons was associated with Satanism and occult practices. They claimed that playing the game could lead to dangerous or antisocial behavior, including suicide and violence.” 🤖
My little robot buddy continues, “These beliefs were fueled by misconceptions about the game's content and mechanics, as well as sensationalized media reports. Research and expert analysis have consistently debunked these claims, showing that D&D is a harmless fantasy role-playing game with no inherent connection to Satanism or harmful behavior.”
“When someone puts on face paint and goes to the sports arena, society accepts that. But D&D? Not as acceptable, and it’s too bad.”
That’s Jake Joseph. He’s a songwriter & podcaster—and a father of four—from Cambridge, Ontario in Canada. 🇨🇦
“For any hobby, there is a point where it crosses over from a passion to an obsession. That happens with working out, sports, TikTok, investing, gambling. You name it.”
“Moderation is always important,” he continues, “but if you can play an epic game of the imagination with your kids in your backyard or if you can get into a Lord of the Rings movie, I would say D&D is not that different.” ✨
There are piles of real evidence supporting D&D’s positive impact on creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. If that sounds like a stretch, it’s not. But we’ll get into that next week!
That’s it for this week’s edition of “Out Here in the Feels 🌒 with Francy Planet.” Very special thanks to my correspondents for being part of this conversation:
Jake Joseph is a songwriter, performer & podcaster in Cambridge, Ontario, Canada. His debut EP releases later this year, and you can hear him bi-weekly on Down to the Dice, the first and only “6th edition” live-play D&D podcast.
Nichole Lim is a writer, director and make-up artist in Nashville, TN. Her latest film “The Unraveling” (which she produced) is on the festival circuit. Find her on Instagram.
As for me, I want to take a moment to thank you for subscribing—there’s lots to talk about in future issues (alongside new music this summer, and updates on some other projects.) In the meantime, thanks for reading and feel free to check out my EP of acoustic worktapes, Storyboards, wherever you get your music.
Stay curious! 🚀
Francy Planet*
*If Francy Planet sounds made up to you, it’s because it is. I call myself Francy Planet because writing songs & telling stories has always felt like a different world to me; a world I’m still exploring. I spent years in rock bands, but you can check out my new solo project here.
Hey Francy. I love the conversations here.
As you know, I did not allow my kids to watch, read or play any thing that represented wizardry, witchcraft and “spells” as a “good” or “fun” or “safe” thing. This is because i believe that these are real and evil in real life. Although I agree with everyone here, i believe that this could be dangerous if a participant was to disregard this fact. Perhaps even unknowingly. Keep the FEELS coming … lovin’ it