resources to debunk urban folklore, legends and myths

 
Studying folklore and urban legends tells us a lot about what we fear most and what we want to believe. It also reveals that a lot of things you thought were true are actually myths:  
BEFORE you forward an email or repost that status message that is warning you about some awful thing, or sounds too good to be true, visit the web sites below, where you will probably find out that whatever the email says is actually UNTRUE (and forward that URL that debunks the myth to your friends who send you this stuff, so they will start thinking before forwarding): Attention journalists (particularly TV "journalists"): BEFORE you report that someone is dead (because someone sent you a text message that says so), before you report on an Internet virus, pornography in cyberspace, religious cults on the Internet, or other sensational Internet-related story, check out this journalist net guide from 1995, to make sure you aren't about to make a total fool out of yourself by reporting inaccurate information. It should be required reading in journalism training programs.

Conspiracy theories, which I consider folklore, also offer insights into our wacky way of thinking. Read Xavier Poez's excellent FAQ on the subject. It includes an overview of various conspiracies through 1997 (secret societies, United Nations/NWO, media manipulation, world bankers, Federal Reserve bank, IRS, assassinations, US government, US military, AIDS, aliens/UFOs, etc.), an overview of how conspiracies work (pyramid structure, pawns & dupes), aspects of human nature that lead to conspiracies, and much, much more.

Also see this web site on how myths and rumors interfere with aid, relief and development efforts, and ways to counter and prevent such.

 


 

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This information posted by J. Cravens. The personal opinions expressed on this page are solely the opinion of Ms. Cravens, unless otherwise noted.

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