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Rumors and Conspiracy Theories in the Black Community.

Professor Patricia Turner, of the African American Studies department at University of California, Davis. Her new book "I Heard It Through the Grapevine" (U. of California Press) examines the historical and social ramifications of rumor in African American culture. From Ku Klux Klan-owned clothing and cigarette companies to a military conspiracy to infect Africans with AIDS, she looks at the role of legend and rumor, finding it has long been a feature of the community. Turner argues that this widespread type of communication offers a means of coping for the community as they confront and absorb racial oppression.

18:47

Other segments from the episode on September 30, 1993

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 30, 1993: Interview with Patricia Turner; Review of the television shows "The Simpsons" and "The Larry Sanders Show;" Interview with James Dickey; Review of…

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