Would You Create an Urban Legend?
We all see them, posing as absolute truth, replete with absolute bullshit, passed around the net like condoms in a whorehouse. Like spam, someone is out there creating lies, and spreading their agenda to thousands of people. And that is just the politicians. I almost never have to run a check on these anymore to know that a message is an urban legend.
They run the gamut, warnings about everything from apples to zebras, all manner of foods, politics, and the military. Celebrities are often picked as the author of many of these “God’s honest truth” missives, obviously intended to make it more believable. If Red Skelton said it, it must be true.
I am not suggesting that anyone do this, but I have been curious for years to see what would happen if I wrote an audacious lie, and sent it to everyone I know. What would happen? How many would mindlessly forward it to everyone they know? How long would it take to appear in my own inbox from one of these friends? Interesting stuff to ponder. Here is a starter site to do just that. If you do this you are on your own. I’m merely pointing out how easy it is to do. How to create an urban legend.
Most people would like to think they are above being fooled by an urban legend, or myth. On the contrary, it is easy to accept something as truth if it comes from what we deem to be a reliable source. Consider, even the best, most well-intentioned publications are capable of error. A good example of this is, how much water should you drink everyday? Here is one answer to that question, and I have seen similar opinions in other health articles that concur with this position. Where then is the truth? The bottom line is where is always is, at the bottom. You must decide.
While having another look at the urban legend phenomena, I came across this site. Five Creepiest Urban Legends
Don’t look if you are afraid of the Boogyman.
