99% Invisible – 554- Devil in the Details

Intro

In this episode of “99% Invisible,” titled “Devil in the Details,” the podcast explores the Satanic Panic of the 1980s and early 90s, as well as the controversial training tape called “Law Enforcement Guide to Satanic Cults.” Additionally, the episode delves into the history and renaming of US Route 666, also known as the “highway to hell.” Join the host as they uncover the sensationalism, conspiracy theories, and lasting impact of these two intriguing stories.

Main Takeaways

The Satanic Panic:

• In the 1980s and early 90s, the US experienced a wave of paranoia and anxiety known as the Satanic Panic.
• The media played a significant role in fueling the panic with sensationalistic documentaries and TV news specials.
• Law enforcement officers proclaimed themselves as experts on Satanic crimes, contributing to the hysteria.
• A training tape called “Law Enforcement Guide to Satanic Cults” was widely used by police departments to train officers on spotting and investigating Satanic crimes.
• The tape featured discredited repressed memory testimonies and staged evidence of demonic rituals.
• Conspiracy theories surrounding Satanic cults were debunked in the late 1990s, and police departments stopped using the training tape.

The Controversial Training Tape:

• The training tape was developed by a filmmaker named Devon Dahavan, who recognized the market for a video teaching police how to spot Satanic crimes.
• Produced under the business name Gut Video, the tape was shot like a film with dramatic presentation and creative license.
• Despite its questionable content, the training tape gained popularity and was widely circulated among law enforcement.
• It exemplifies how conspiracies can become part of the official narrative and influence law enforcement practices.

US Route 666:

• US Route 666, nicknamed the “highway to hell,” gained its reputation due to its association with the devil.
• The highway’s number was a result of the early days of the US numbered highway system.
• It had a history of real-life accidents and a high number of fatal crashes, contributing to its dangerous reputation.
• The negative associations with death metal music and violent movies further added to its notoriety.
• Many people, particularly in the Navajo Nation, found the name disrespectful and took issue with it.
• In 2003, the highway’s number was changed to 491 to distance it from its negative associations.
• The improvement in safety was achieved by expanding a significant portion of the highway from two lanes to four.
• Legislators had advocated for this improvement for over 20 years before the project finally commenced.
• There is now a movement to rename part of the highway after state senator John Pinto, who played a crucial role in its expansion.

Summary

The Satanic Panic and the Controversial Training Tape

The Satanic Panic of the 1980s and early 90s was fueled by sensationalistic media coverage and the self-proclaimed expertise of law enforcement officers. The “Law Enforcement Guide to Satanic Cults” training tape, created by Devon Dahavan, capitalized on this panic and gained popularity among police departments. However, the tape featured discredited testimonies and staged evidence, ultimately contributing to the debunking of Satanic cult conspiracy theories. The episode highlights how media sensationalism and uncritical acceptance of information can lead to widespread panic and misinformation.

The History and Renaming of US Route 666

US Route 666, known as the “highway to hell,” had a reputation for being dangerous in real life, with numerous accidents and fatal crashes. Its association with death metal music and violent movies further added to its negative image. The name of the highway was particularly offensive to many in the Navajo Nation. In 2003, the number was changed to 491, distancing it from its negative associations. The episode also explores the efforts to improve safety on the highway by expanding it from two lanes to four, a project that took over two decades to materialize. There is now a movement to rename part of the highway after state senator John Pinto, who played a crucial role in advocating for its expansion.

Conclusion

The Satanic Panic and the controversial training tape exemplify the power of media influence and the potential for misinformation to spread. The episode also sheds light on the history and renaming of US Route 666, highlighting the impact of negative associations and the ongoing efforts to improve safety and honor those who have contributed to its transformation. By examining these stories, “99% Invisible” prompts us to question the narratives we encounter and consider the lasting effects they can have on society.