Urban Legends, Contamination, and Vaccination

This set of flashcards covers key concepts and details from a lecture about urban legends, their spread, and their influence on public perception of vaccines and contagion.

What is an urban legend?

A story set in the recent past that is shared widely and believed to be true, often attributed to a 'Friend Of A Friend'.

Who coined the term 'urban legend'?

Richard Dorson in 1968.

What are some ways urban legends are spread?

Person to person, social media, email forwards, journalism, and academic publications.

How do urban legends gain credibility?

Through reference to authoritative sources and specific details of time/place.

What theme is common among urban legends related to disease?

The idea that if healthy people made better choices, adverse outcomes could be avoided.

What is the message behind the AIDS urban legends?

They often contain a moral lesson about sexual behavior and its consequences.

What can be an effect of vaccine skepticism?

The belief that vaccinations breach the purity of our bodies.

What does Dr. Paul Offit assert about vaccinations?

Children can be safely vaccinated with up to 10,000 vaccines without harm.

What is one of the COVID-19 vaccine urban legends?

That the vaccine makes your skin magnetic.

How did the COVID-19 vaccine become associated with microchips?

Two conspiracy theories falsely claim that vaccination includes tracking microchips.

What common theme does the origin of urban legends about epidemics share?

They often blame marginalized groups or 'others' for the spread of disease.

What is the significance of 'Patients Zero' in relation to urban legends?

They are often blamed for the outbreak of diseases in urban legends.

How has social media impacted the spread of urban legends?

It allows for rapid dissemination and reinforcement of these stories.

What story exemplifies urban legends surrounding HIV?

The story of a nurse who allegedly infected a community without being caught.

What is a warning articulated by police departments about gas stations?

HIV-infected needles may be affixed to gas pump handles.

What happens when evidence contradicts compelling stories?

Most people tend to choose the story over evidence-based data.

What is the impact of anecdotal narratives on public perception of vaccines?

They can overshadow evidence-based statistics and research.

Name an example of a potent narrative related to COVID-19 vaccinations.

The claim that someone became infertile after getting vaccinated.

How do urban legends interact with public health narratives?

They create distrust in health authorities and medical advice.

What is the urban legend involving 'AIDS Mary'?

A story where a woman receives a coffin as a gift symbolizing an HIV infection.