The Power of Rumors
B. Haq
In 1973, during a nightly show, the host made a joke based on an insignificant story in the newspaper and read the newspaper clipping. There was going to be a shortage of toilet paper in America due to reduced paper production.
There was no Internet at the time. People wholly relied on newspapers and electronic media like television and radio to get news. They had no cell phones to whip out of their pockets and google to find out if the information was accurate and precise. The host didn’t think twice about the joke after the show was over.
Almost immediately, a shopping spree to buy toilet paper in bulk began. The calm public turned into a chaotic mob and rushed to the stores. Soon, the stores ran out of their toilet paper supplies.
This strengthened and reinforced the idea that there was a shortage of toilet paper in America and led to a further surge of anxiety among people. Those who could not get their hands on any toilet paper were thrown into panic. For this reason, several stores started rationing their toilet paper by putting a restriction on the quantity a customer could purchase.
Finally, a paper product supplier announced that if people didn't hoard, there would be enough toilet paper for everyone. The host, whose joke had fueled the anxiety, stepped in to calm the public and told them there was no shortage of toilet paper. As a result, the scare diminished.
The host explained that he made the joke based on the news about commercial toilet paper. The news said that there was a small chance or probability of the scarcity of industrial toilet paper. The story was not about the toilet paper people use at home.
That’s the power of a rumor. With incomplete and inaccurate information, we make speculations and form opinions that turn out to be baseless. But once the word leaves the mouth, it cannot be yanked back. The damage gets done, and people needlessly suffer.
However, individuals who ponder judge the news for its accuracy and trustworthiness. This is one of the most vital skills to learn in the digital age. Amidst an ocean of information, we must learn to distinguish between reliable and unreliable sources of information. We are smart. We owe it to our intellect to make sure the information is correct before we believe it or pass it on.
Question
Which statement most accurately explains how “Gossip is Bullying” presents information differently than “The Power of Rumors”?
Responses
A It relies on a story to prove that gossip is harmful, while “The Power of Rumors” presents evidence to show how rumors can be damaging.It relies on a story to prove that gossip is harmful, while “The Power of Rumors” presents evidence to show how rumors can be damaging.
B It argues that gossip is always wrong, while “The Power of Rumors” maintains that rumors are bad only when they spread.It argues that gossip is always wrong, while “The Power of Rumors” maintains that rumors are bad only when they spread.
C It states an opinion about gossip, while “The Power of Rumors” presents a specific incident to make a point about rumors.It states an opinion about gossip, while “The Power of Rumors” presents a specific incident to make a point about rumors.
D It describes gossip as bad-mouthing someone behind their back, while “The Power of Rumors” claims that rumors are harmful pranks.It describes gossip as bad-mouthing someone behind their back, while “The Power of Rumors” claims that rumors are harmful pranks.
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