Episode 108 -- Live from San Francisco, It's Moral Panic Bingo Night!

Go Ask Alice is an epistolary novel that chronicles two years of a teenage girl's life as she navigates social acceptance, family relationships, and the dangers of drug addiction. The story begins with the protagonist, known as Alice, who is introduced to drugs unintentionally at a party. This encounter leads her down a path of addiction to various substances, including LSD, marijuana, amphetamines, and heroin. Alice's journey involves her isolation from family and friends, involvement in the drug subculture, and multiple attempts to seek help and achieve sobriety. The book highlights the devastating consequences of drug abuse and the emotional turmoil that accompanies addiction. Despite its controversial authorship, the book serves as a powerful and authentic portrayal of the struggles faced by teenagers and the dangers of drug addiction.

This book, first published in 1972, is a seminal work in sociology that explores the concept of 'moral panic' using the example of the Mods and Rockers youth subcultures in the UK. Cohen analyzes how minor incidents can escalate into major societal crises through media sensationalism and political amplification. The book provides insights into subculture, mass morality, and the psychology and sociology behind moral panics, making it essential reading for those interested in media studies, psychology, and social behavior. The later editions include updates on how the concept of moral panic has been applied over the years to various social issues.

Slouching Towards Bethlehem is a collection of essays by Joan Didion that captures the essence of 1960s America, especially in California. The book includes twenty essays that cover a wide range of topics, from the counterculture movement in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district to personal narratives and character portraits. Didion's essays explore themes such as the decline of traditional values, the disillusionment of the American Dream, and the tumultuous social changes of the era. The title essay, 'Slouching Towards Bethlehem,' is a vivid portrayal of the hippie culture and its contrast with its idealized representations, drawing imagery from W.B. Yeats' poem 'The Second Coming. ' The collection also includes essays like 'On Keeping a Notebook' and 'Goodbye to All That,' which reflect on Didion's personal life and writing habits. Through her keen observations and vivid storytelling, Didion provides an unflinching and insightful overview of America during the 1960s.