The occult revival in the 1960s and 1970s was a significant cultural phenomenon that received considerable attention and coverage in various media outlets, including Time magazine. This resurgence of interest in the occult encompassed a wide range of practices, beliefs, and philosophies, such as witchcraft, astrology, spiritualism, and Eastern mysticism. Time magazine played a crucial role in documenting and analyzing this occult revival. It provided a platform for discussing and debating the various aspects of the occult, from ancient traditions to modern interpretations. Through its in-depth articles and interviews, Time aimed to inform and educate its readers about this increasingly popular movement. One of the main reasons for the occult revival's coverage in Time was its wider societal impact.
Oh, Just Settle Down: The "principal researcher" for the study that inspired Time's cover was actually an undergraduate, and experts began picking the study apart the moment the issue hit newsstands. Three weeks after the wee, wide-eyed web surfer cover, Time backpedalled–on page 57—explaining that real experts say "a more telling statistic is that pornographic files represent less than one-half of 1 percent of all messages posted on the Internet" and that, "it is impossible to count the number of times those files are downloaded; the network measures only how many people are presented with the opportunity to download, not how many actually do."
Three weeks after the wee, wide-eyed web surfer cover, Time backpedalled on page 57 explaining that real experts say a more telling statistic is that pornographic files represent less than one-half of 1 percent of all messages posted on the Internet and that, it is impossible to count the number of times those files are downloaded; the network measures only how many people are presented with the opportunity to download, not how many actually do. Youth culture expert Walt Mueller, president of the Center for Parent Youth Understanding a Christian ministry teaches that popular culture is a mirror and a map.
One of the main reasons for the occult revival's coverage in Time was its wider societal impact. As interest in the occult grew, it began to influence mainstream culture, from fashion and music to literature and film. The magazine recognized the significance of this cultural shift and dedicated considerable space to exploring the occult's role in shaping contemporary trends.
On the Cover of Time: PANIC!
Making fun of magazine covers is like netting fish in a barrel, but that doesn’t mean it’s not funny. In a stunt aimed at catering specifically to its core readership of cranky libertarians–who still inexplicably doubt the existence of climate change and, if they didn’t like pot so much and God so little, would look a lot like, well…conservatives–Reason magazine went through a stack of Time magazines to showcase the Top 10 Most Absurd Covers of the Past 40 Years.
Highlights include a black-and-red line drawing of Satan (“The Occult Revival: Satan Returns”), a little boy sporting a crocodile tear (“Crack Kids: Their Mothers used drugs, and now it’s the children who suffer”), and a ghostly, wide-eyed little boy who, sitting in front of a keyboard, seems to be possessed by demons (“Cyberporn: Can we protect our kids–and free speech?”).
The write-ups following each cover image, packed with data and designed to take the air out of Time’s perpetually hyperbolic balloon, are quick-witted and, not suprisingly I suppose, well-Reason-ed. That said, one can’t help but notice that the same critics who are up-in-arms over this fear-mongering and tabloid imagery are the same people who champion wild west capitalism. And the strategies Time uses to sell these covers are not only timeless and textbook, they’re proven to win. So, the item leaves me wondering what’s more important: Responsible headlines and reasoned journalism or big sales.
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Furthermore, Time aimed to distinguish between the more serious, spiritual aspects of the occult and the sensationalized, commercialized versions. While some viewed the occult as a legitimate spiritual path, others viewed it as a mere fad or a way to exploit people's desires for supernatural experiences. Time's coverage attempted to provide a balanced perspective on the subject, highlighting both its potential benefits and its potential dangers. Overall, Time magazine's coverage of the occult revival reflected the broader societal fascination with spirituality, alternative belief systems, and countercultural movements during the 1960s and 1970s. It played a crucial role in bringing this once-taboo subject into the mainstream consciousness, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the occult and its place in contemporary society..
Reviews for "The Occult Renaissance: Time Magazine's Exploration of the Resurgence"
1. Emily - 1 star
I found "The Occult Revival Covered by Time Magazine" to be extremely disappointing. The author seemed to have a clear bias against the subject matter and failed to provide a balanced perspective. The book was filled with negative stereotypes and lacked any substantial evidence or research. It felt more like an attack on occult practices rather than an informative and objective analysis. I do not recommend this book to anyone interested in the occult as it does not provide a fair representation of the topic.
2. James - 2 stars
"The Occult Revival Covered by Time Magazine" fell short of my expectations. The author seemed to talk down on occult practices and failed to explore the complexities and rich history behind the movement. Instead of providing a nuanced perspective, the book was filled with sweeping generalizations and unfounded assumptions. It lacked depth and failed to provide any meaningful insights into the occult revival. I was hoping for a more insightful and comprehensive examination of the subject matter, but unfortunately, this book did not deliver.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "The Occult Revival Covered by Time Magazine" to be quite disappointing. The author's writing style was dry and lacked any creativity or engaging storytelling. I felt like I was reading a repetitive list of occult practices without any substantial analysis or exploration. The book lacked depth and failed to provide any new or intriguing information on the occult revival. Overall, it was a dull and uninspiring read that I cannot recommend to others interested in the occult.