> What are examples of moral panics on the "left" (American interpretation) end of the spectrum?
Centrism.
It is the universal moral panic of the far left in any democratic country. There's nothing that upsets the left more (I speak as someone largely on the centre-left; it's a reviled position)
That's is not a moral panic. It is a continual, ongoing policy disagreement. Leftier-than-thou types may yell at you, but they're not taking your children away or trying to throw you in jail.
(Come to think of it, it looks an awful lot like Republicans vs. RINOs, except the numbers are reversed there.)
Same, center left here too. It feels like a cult trying to purify itself. We're impure and must be cast out. I believe, however, that it's a very loud minority that is scaring the rest of us into silence. So it appears larger than it is.
Centrism.
It is the universal moral panic of the far left in any democratic country. There's nothing that upsets the left more (I speak as someone largely on the centre-left; it's a reviled position)