Key Selling Points New, enhanced features (dyslexia-friendly font, cream paper, larger trim size) to increase reading accessibility for dyslexic and other striving readers.
This book combines two classic topics in social anthropology in a new synthesis: the study of witchcraft and sorcery and the study of rumors and gossip. First, it shows how rumor and gossip are invariably important as catalysts for accusations of witchcraft and sorcery. Second, it demonstrates the role of rumor and gossip in the genesis of social and political violence, as in the case of both peasant rebellions and witch-hunts. Examples supporting the argument are drawn from Africa, Europe, India, Papua New Guinea, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
Are race-related rumors rooted in the personality traits of the individual? Are they a kind of "improvised news" for a community? Do they come and go at random or form definite, recognizable patterns? What role do the news media play in spreading rumors? These and other questions are treated in this classic study, now available in paperback with a new introduction by the author, of how and why rumors emerge in connection with racial disorders. Included is an examination and critique of the three major models of rumor formation: the psychological approach, emphasizing the emotional needs and drives of the individual; the functional approach, which views rumors as a form of "improvised news"; and the conspiratorial approach, which sees rumors as deliberately planted and not spontaneous. The author's "process model" of rumor formation is based on the premise that rumors cannot "cause" violence and that violence cannot "cause" rumors. Both are viewed as parts of the same process. Rumors are seen as just one of a series of determinants, each of which increases the likelihood of a collective outburst. Among the determinants examined are: conditions of stress; a rigid social structure supported by a racist ideology; and a hostile belief system (or negative set of generalized perceptions) held separately by different groups. Race-related rumors are functionally tied to the latter point and crystallize, confirm, and intensify these beliefs by linking them to actual events. Hundreds of pertinent rumors are documented from local newspapers and investigative accounts. An exhaustive, systematic inquiry is made into the series of disorders that occurred between 1967 and 1970. The role played by rumors during these disturbing times is examined and compared to earlier periods of unrest. Implications for public policy are explored along with a hard look at rumor-control centers. The influence of the police and other public officials as well as the news media are
Rumors may be the oldest medium of mass communication of information or ideas. Even before there were newspapers, radio, or television, rumors communicated by word-of-mouth made and shattered reputations, and set off riots and wars. Yet contrary to predictions, rumors continue to thrive, in spite of and parallel to mass media. What accounts for the puzzling persistence and continuing significance of this little-studied social phenomenon? Jean-No;el Kapferer examines the theory and practice of rumors, focusing on specific areas such as entertainment, criminal behavior, business and finance, and politics. He describes the kinds of conditions that give birth to rumors, why we believe them, and the hidden messages they convey. Kapferer points out that rumors frequently serve useful social purposes and present rich examples. He speculates about how rumors can be controlled, changed, and prevented. Drawing upon contributions of disciplines ranging from psychology to history, and integrating the insights of Europeans with the latest work of American researchers, this is the most comprehensive examination of rumors, gossip, and urban legends yet published. Translated into nine languages, this edition was updated with advances in theory and research since the book's original French publication in 1987. Its brisk, accessible style makes the book of interest to psychologists, economists, political scientists, sociologists, and folklore analysts, as well as the general reader who is curious about the origins of this fascinating social phenomenon.
Get the straight facts on the legends and events that surround outlaw motorcycle clubs. Not everything is as it seems when the media is involved. Pretty much everything the world has ever heard about one-percenter motorcycle clubs has been pure, unadulterated lies. Take the so-called Hollister riot of 1947 that started it all. LIFE magazine convinced America that what Hunter Thompson called "The Menace" was about to ride into town spewing rage and 30-weight motor oil, and America believed it. So what really happened in Hollister? Greatest One-Percenter Myths, Mysteries, and Rumors Revealed divulges the truth about that incident and many more legendary events, including Charles Manson’s desire for a biker army, what really happened to the Easy Rider bikes, and an examination of the mystery of the Waco shootings. The truth will be revealed, but only if you crack the spine on this book and read the real story. Topics covered in this book include the following: Lost Lore of the Laughlin River Run The Straight Satans and Charles Manson Inside the Heads of the Infiltrators The Growth of the Three-Piece Patch in Red China The Mystery of the Easy Rider Bikes Blunders Down Under Women in the Wild: Mamas, Sheep, Ol’ Ladies, and Lies Purple Wings: Codes, Secrets, and Anti-Everything Acronyms The Holiness of Hollister, the Sins of the Scribes The Strange Rise and Fall of Japan’s Bōsōzoku Putin’s Angels: Throwing the Separation of MC and State to the Wolves Who Really Hatched Easy Rider? Confessions of Murder on National Television “Can You Guys Ride?”: Giving the Cast of Sons of Anarchy Their Keys Waco: The Biggest Mystery of All Don't believe everything the media has been telling you about 1%-er motorcycle clubs. Greatest One-Percenter Myths, Mysteries, and Rumors has the straight facts.
This comprehensive book documents the nearly half-century-long story of The Rolling Stones—the group many regard as the most eminent rock band ever. By 1964 the United States had been "invaded" by a number of British bands, led by the Beatles. The Rolling Stones were seen as more rebellious and rowdy than The Beatles—they were the "bad boys" as opposed to the "good boys"—and this reputation only served to enhance their popularity with their teenage fans. The Stones far outlasted the Beatles and all the other 60s-era British bands, however The Rolling Stones not only continued, but flourished, their tours drawing enormous crowds for decades. The Rolling Stones: A Musical Biography chronicles the fascinating adventures of these Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees and sheds light on what has allowed these music legends to enjoy such lifelong popularity and success.