Gary Alan Fine has studied the sociology of rumor
for decades. In his new book,
The Global Grapevine: Why Rumors of Terrorism, Immigration, and
Trade Matter, Fine and co-author Bill Ellis dig into the
rumors that both surround and shape the anxieties and stresses of
America’s move into an interconnected global world. Senior Editor
Brian Doherty interviewed Fine about a representative set of such
rumors, including rumors of wicked immigrants who simultaneously
enjoy secret tax breaks and form hyperviolent gangs; rumors of
terror threats masterminded by Arabs, Israelis, and the U.S.
government itself; rumors of tourists adopting pet rats and
contracting AIDS from malign foreigners; and rumors of
international trade that brings disease and death to hapless
Americans.
Reason Magazine
New at Reason: Brian Doherty Interviews Sociologist Gary Alan Fine About Rumors and the Global Grapevine
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