谣言的建构:“毛人水怪”谣言再分析

How does a Rumor Come about? A Re-analysis of the Rumor of "Hairy Men" and "Water Monsters"

本文介绍了20世纪中期大范围传播的"毛人水怪"谣言,指出谣言的实质是一个作为集体记忆存在的传说,在一些特定的历史事件中被有意无意地激发,在大规模的人口聚集与流动中广泛传播。通过分析几次谣言形成的过程及其背景,本文指出,大规模谣言的形成症结是民间的恐慌心态与不满情绪,正确理解谣言背后的深层社会问题,缓解民怨,是防止谣言最好的办法。

In the middle of the 20^th century, a big rumor arose and was transmitted far and wide that there existed ＂hairy men＂ and ＂water monsters＂. With an introduction to this rumor, the author tries to point out that rumors of this kind are actually legends created in the collective memory of the public, only to be stimulated by some historical events and jump-started into widespread prevalence in the densely populated and highly mobile areas. By studying the formation and background of several rumors, the author argues that widespread rumors are the manifestation of popular fear and discontent. Preventions of rumors will only be possible by a correct understanding of the deep social issues behind the rumors and the effective way is to ease public grievances.