ABSTRACT
Demonization is the portrayal of individuals and groups as evil-perhaps even in league with a literal Satan. Demonization is often based on preexisting prejudices, and it facilitates scapegoating and conspiracism. In contemporary U.S. society, popular targets of demonization include Jews, Catholics, Mormons, Moslems, Freemasons, New Age devotees, wel-fare mothers, immigrants, peace activists, environmentalists, feminists, abortion providers, and gay men and lesbians. Members of groups ranging from the Trilateral Commission to the National Education Association are demonized, as are federal officials and UN troops. Demonization can be found in left, center, and right political rhetoric.
