As to urban legends, I do find it interesting that, on some level, the entire point of the story is to be passed along as if true - or at least to be entertaining. Granted, when looked upon factually, it is still misinformation, I find the phenomenon fascinating.
That said, if the story or comment perpetuates something dangerous or problematic - such as a negative stereotype - I will speak up as politely as possible. I hear the latter a lot at work. People will make comments about my bosses and how gay people don't do illegal drugs, and I have to point out that the only openly gay kid at my high school was a dealer. Gay people do the same stuff as everyone else.
I suppose I see the fundamental difference the outcome of the misinformation. Believing that daffodils bloom in late summer or that Memphis is the capital of TN, will likely do someone no harm other than possibly looking like an idiot. And then there is simply the chance that they simply mis-spoke. But making generalizations about a person or group of people (based on gender presentation, sexuality, race, socio-economic class), etc. is a little difference. Nevertheless, I've found that being rude or becoming argumentative rarely does much to help the cause.
As to urban legends, I do find it interesting that, on some level, the entire point of the story is to be passed along as if true - or at least to be entertaining. Granted, when looked upon factually, it is still misinformation, I find the phenomenon fascinating.
That said, if the story or comment perpetuates something dangerous or problematic - such as a negative stereotype - I will speak up as politely as possible. I hear the latter a lot at work. People will make comments about my bosses and how gay people don't do illegal drugs, and I have to point out that the only openly gay kid at my high school was a dealer. Gay people do the same stuff as everyone else.
I suppose I see the fundamental difference the outcome of the misinformation. Believing that daffodils bloom in late summer or that Memphis is the capital of TN, will likely do someone no harm other than possibly looking like an idiot. And then there is simply the chance that they simply mis-spoke. But making generalizations about a person or group of people (based on gender presentation, sexuality, race, socio-economic class), etc. is a little difference. Nevertheless, I've found that being rude or becoming argumentative rarely does much to help the cause.
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