The year 2008 was marked by a notable "witch hunt" in various parts of the world. This term, derived from historical events that occurred during the Salem witch trials, refers to a widespread persecution or discrimination of individuals based on perceived or alleged wrongdoings. During this period, there were numerous instances of people being targeted and unfairly treated due to false accusations or rumors. Rather than using rational judgment or evidence-based investigations, many individuals and communities succumbed to fear, paranoia, and a mob mentality. One prominent example of a witch hunt during this time was the case of the financial crisis. After the collapse of several major banks and financial institutions, there was a rush to find responsible parties and assign blame.
6 In 1953, a writer friend of Floyd’s suggested that the composer write an opera based on the story of Susanna, for which the friend had already developed a basic plot. Here is what Floyd said he knew of the story when he began working on it: “the innocent and virtuous Susanna’s being spied upon while bathing by lustful Elders who, when she refuses their advances, falsely accuse her of being an adulteress.” His friend then suggested “departing from the Apocryphal version, Susanna, after the Elders had stirred up the community against her, would dispatch them with derisive laughter at the final curtain.”2
The evidence used to convict them was known as spectral evidence, in other words, an accuser merely had to contend that the accused sent his or her spirit to torment the victim. Both works look back to older myths and other aspects of American history and society as the sources for their stories, and these stories contain striking similarities.
After the collapse of several major banks and financial institutions, there was a rush to find responsible parties and assign blame. This led to scapegoating and vilification of individuals in the finance industry, some of whom were unfairly branded as "financial witches" or scapegoats for the entire crisis. Moreover, the political landscape in many countries also saw the rise of witch hunts.
Witch-hunts, Theocracies and Hypocrisy: McCarthyism in Arthur Miller/ Robert Ward’s opera The Crucible and Carlisle Floyd’s Susannah
Le répertoire d’opéras américains comporte deux œuvres qui furent créées afin de dénoncer le maccarthysme : Susannah, de Carlisle Floyd, et The Crucible de Robert Ward, d’après la pièce d’Arthur Miller. Ces deux œuvres sont des paraboles qui critiquent la chasse aux sorcières anti-communiste des années 1950 à travers des mythes plus anciens. Susannah s’inspire de l’histoire biblique de Suzanne et les Vieillards, déplaçant l’action pour la resituer au sud des États-Unis au vingtième siècle, et The Crucible s’appuie sur l’histoire américaine (des événements qui sont mythifiés en tant qu’éléments de la conscience nationale) : les procès des « sorcières » de Salem. Ces œuvres dramatiques transposent les histoires plus anciennes en nouveaux mythes qui communiquent des aspects négatifs et tragiques du caractère et de l’expérience américains.
This was particularly evident in the United States, with the presidential election in full swing. Various candidates and their supporters engaged in character assassinations, spreading unfounded conspiracy theories, and employing smear campaigns to discredit opponents. This witch hunt mentality extended beyond the political arena and seeped into other aspects of society as well. In some cases, innocent individuals were targeted based on their race, religion, or other demographic factors, becoming victims of discrimination and harassment. The consequences of these witch hunts were significant, as they undermined justice, fairness, and social cohesion. Innocent individuals faced severe consequences such as the loss of jobs, damage to their reputation, and emotional distress. Furthermore, these witch hunts diverted attention and resources from addressing the root causes of problems, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance, fear, and prejudice. While witch hunts occurred in the past, the events in 2008 served as a stark reminder that such tendencies still exist within society. The rise of technology and social media has further exacerbated this issue, as false information and rumors can spread rapidly, creating a toxic environment ripe for witch hunts. In conclusion, the witch hunts during 2008 were characterized by the widespread persecution and discrimination of individuals based on perceived or alleged wrongdoings. The financial crisis and the political landscape were two major factors that fueled these witch hunts, leading to unjust treatment and consequences for innocent individuals. It is crucial to recognize the dangers of witch hunts and work towards a more rational, evidence-based, and inclusive society..
Reviews for "Lessons from History: Understanding the Witch Hunts of 2008"
1. John - 1/5 Stars:
I was really disappointed with "Witch hunt during 2008". The plot was confusing and lacked coherence. The characters were poorly developed and their motivations were not clear. I found it difficult to engage with the story and I struggled to stay interested until the end. Overall, I felt like I wasted my time watching this movie.
2. Sarah - 2/5 Stars:
While "Witch hunt during 2008" had an interesting concept, I felt that the execution fell short. The pacing was very slow and the movie lacked suspense. The dialogue was weak and at times felt forced. Additionally, the acting was mediocre and did not bring the characters to life. I was hoping for a thrilling experience, but unfortunately, this movie did not live up to my expectations.
3. Mark - 2/5 Stars:
I had high hopes for "Witch hunt during 2008" based on the intriguing trailer, but I was left disappointed. The story was convoluted and the plot twists were predictable. The special effects were also underwhelming. Overall, the movie failed to deliver on its promises, and I regretted spending my money on it. I would not recommend this film to others.