The Resurgence of the LDS Glenn Pace Ritualistic Child Abuse Memo and Why It Matters
Recently, I've come across a disturbing series of claims surrounding the LDS Glenn Pace Ritualistic Child Abuse memo from July 19, 1990. This memo has been marked as a product of the debunked nationwide Satanic Ritual Abuse (SRA) moral panic. Yet, many individuals like Billybob continue to bring up this issue. But why are they still talking about it, considering it's been scientifically debunked? This article will explore the spread of misinformation and the underlying reasons for its persistence.
Understanding the Context: The SRA Morality Panic
The nationwide Satanic Ritual Abuse moral panic of the 1980s and early 1990s was a significant social phenomenon. It saw allegations of widespread Satanic ritualistic child abuse in the United States, which were often embellished with fantastical and often impossible details. The LDS Glenn Pace Ritualistic Child Abuse memo, while considered part of this broader phenomenon, was specifically linked to allegations involving members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS, or Mormon) and their practices.
The Glenn Pace Memo: A Specific Case within a Broader Phenomenon
The memo in question, from July 19, 1990, was compiled by a member of the LDS Church, Glenn Pace. It detailed alleged ritualistic child abuse practices involving members of the church. This document has since been deemed highly questionable and part of the broader SRA moral panic, which many mental health professionals now regard as a mass delusion or moral panic.
Despite this, reports of similar allegations, often difficult to verify, continue to circulate. Why this might happen is a complex issue involving the psychological and social aspects of group adherence, the human tendency to believe in the aggregated beliefs and fears of one's peer group, and the reliance on anecdotal evidence rather than empirical verification.
Why Billybob and Others Keep Bringing Up the Memo
Among those who still reference the LDS Glenn Pace Ritualistic Child Abuse memo are individuals like Billybob, who may feel a sense of validation from sharing their stories or simply a strong emotional attachment to their belief system. This phenomenon can be explained through a variety of psychological theories, including the confirmation bias, groupthink, and the need for social validation through shared experiences.
Confirmation Bias and Social Validation
Confirmation Bias: This is the tendency to favor information that confirms pre-existing beliefs and ignore contradictory information. Billybob and others may interpret the memo as proof of a widely-held belief within their group, reinforcing their preconceptions about the world. They may also be motivated by a desire to share this information with others, hoping to recruit like-minded individuals or to challenge authorities who they believe are in denial about the real issues.
Social Validation: People often seek support from their community, whether it's online or offline. Sharing the Glenn Pace memo can be a way of finding or reinforcing a sense of belonging within a community that believes in the same things they do. This can be particularly powerful in online communities where individuals can find like-minded individuals and feel less isolated in their beliefs.
Media and Online Communities as Catalysts
Role of Media: Even though the scientific community has debunked the SRA moral panic, media outlets may still share these stories, sometimes without sufficient context or fact-checking. This can spread misinformation and keep the topic in the public consciousness. Websites, social media platforms, and even certain news outlets might use these stories to generate attention and traffic, thereby maintaining their relevance.
Internet and Social Media: The internet and social media platforms provide a platform for the rapid dissemination of information, regardless of its validity. These platforms are often filled with user-generated content, much of which may not be rigorously fact-checked or scrutinized. Once something like the Glenn Pace memo is shared online, it can be difficult to completely erase from public discourse.
Conclusion: The Continuation of Spreading Misinformation
The resurfacing of the LDS Glenn Pace Ritualistic Child Abuse memo is a complex issue. While it has been debunked, the psychological and social dynamics continue to drive its persistence. Questions of the validity of the claims, the power of groupthink and confirmation bias, and the role of media and online communities in maintaining its relevance all play significant roles. Understanding these factors can help us navigate the ongoing debates surrounding this and similar issues, promoting a more informed and evidence-based society.