Question

Two friends are arguing about whether drugs or terrorism are a larger social problem. Using Rothe and Muzzati’s concept of moral panic, to compare the social construction of drugs and terrorism as social problems in our society and resolve their argument.

Answer 1

Since according to the Rothe and Muzzati’s concept of moral panic it is a feeling of fear that is spread among a large number of people about some evil threatening the well-being of society. Further since the exaggerated threats and disproportionate responses that define moral panics may solely be not driven by moral entrepreneurs or social control agents but may be due to the strategic practices and rationalities of folk devils themselves. Thus since the fear of terrorism is much more as compared to the fear of drugs; the argument should be resolved in favor of terrorism.