At Backward Messages, I give you the straight story on all the influences you’ve been told will turn your teen violent: the occult, violent video games, heavy-metal music, and more. I look at the media's ill-informed, negative portrayals of these subcultures, and I debunk much of the scientific research "proving" they're harmful. Many of these pastimes can be a healthy part of growing up, and I want to show you how.
Look at the stream to the left to see my latest posts at Backward Messages, and click through to join the conversation in comments.
My posts are also syndicated to Open Salon, where some have been named "Editor's Picks."
Some of my posts (and related guest blogs) have been picked up elsewhere. Here's a roundup:
In video games, teens face (and fight) their demons, Wired.com
Metal Monday: When heavy metal becomes linked with crime, USAToday.com
The Loughner double standard, MotherJones.com
Why Those Apparent Animal Sacrifices Probably Aren't the Work of Real Satanists, SF Weekly
How journalists can stop the spread of misinformation when reporting on the occult, Poynter.org
The hot sauce trial: 5 ways journalists can improve coverage of research, Poynter.org
Frightened by your teen's interests? Get involved!, Radical Parenting
Occult Profiling: Where it comes from and why it's worth fighting, Plutonica
Defending death metal to the, um, death?, DadWagon
Follow Winegarner's rules when reporting on pagan and minority religions, The Wild Hunt
Unleash the Hounds!, The Wild Hunt