Witchcraft And Exorcism

The history of past views and treatments for abnormal behavior was the most interesting to me in this week’s reading, especially witchcraft and exorcism. I remember learning about witchcraft including the Salem witch trials during high school. It has me curious as to what they would have considered abnormal behavior back then and which behaviors would have you sent to an asylum or hospital. I was surprised by how often the treatments and care of people with abnormal behavior changed, affected by cost of care, religion and prejudices. I found the experimental methods interesting to read, especially the natural experiments because of the recent Hurricane Matthew that affected millions in our country. With warnings that this storm can kill you
and evacuation orders for coastal residents, I imagine the effect on their mental health would be severe causing fear, stress and anxiety. In one of the side stories of the book it discusses crime phobia and cyber fear which I strongly agree with. I believe it affects the decisions we make all the time including whether we stop to help someone on the side of the road or which trail we are comfortable walking down. Although some people already have a fear of clowns, with the recent media of clown citing’s and threats it will and has affected how people view clowns. I believe it was also impact those who are a professional clown and the business they will receive with all of the negative media currently on clowns. It is sad to see how people were treated in the past like in this week’s videos. During the lobotomy video I actually had to turn my head because of the thought of the procedure, especially with ice picks straight from the freezer. I have seen movies that included treatment with restraints and shock treatment but you don’t always stop to think of what life was like for that person. It can make us appreciate how far we have come with treatment.