Urban Legends

 

In contemporary society we have few legends left. The tabloids are too busy finding scandal for anyone to enjoy hero status for very long, let alone become a legend. However, our lack of heroes has not stopped us from telling stories. Urban Legends fill the gap nicely by being reported as true events. The sheer number of urban legends in the US popular culture prompted the release of many mainstream films. Examples of popular urban legends include "The Hook" and "The Baby Sitter"; the films "I know What you Did Last Summer" and Don't Answer the Phone"

From European Fairy tales to American tall tales, the list of folktales goes on and on. Today we still find orally driven stories, Slam poetry and rap music speak of contemporary life and culture. Some tales are cautionary, and some are not -but it does not matter, since the tradition will continue for as long as we have a voice to tell our stories*

 

 

 

*Krawcyzk/Novak