Michael Samek Lecture in Information Science and Culture
William Aspray, "Rumors and Legends Surrounding the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks"
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
12:30-1:30pm
Andersen Library 120
Abstract: The talk will present an analysis of the different kinds of rumors and legends that circulated in connection with the 9/11 terrorist attacks immediately after and in the decade following the attacks. The analysis is based on an examination of studies by snopes and exchanges on the Usenet newsgroup alt.folklore.urban. As time permits, there will also be a discussion of how snopes evolved and the problems it faced as it changed its focus from urban legend debunking to political fact-checking.
Sponsored by the Michael Samek family, the Program in History of Science, Technology, and Medicine and the University Libraries.