Abstract

Myths are stories told to provide an explanation for the unknown, reflect cultural beliefs of populations that hold them, and lack scientific evidence to support these stories. Some myths, such as the myth that vaccines cause autism, are harmful toward the groups that they target. Popularized in 1998 with the publication of the Wakefield study, the myth that vaccines cause autism continues to spread and thrive today. To understand the widespread nature and detriments of belief in harmful myths such as this, I implement mythology rhetoric to examine how celebrity Jenny McCarthy utilizes elements of myth to persuade others to believe that vaccines cause autism in her book Healing and Preventing Autism. Simultaneously, I examine effects the myth has on cultural groups that hold these notions to be true. In understanding how myth is propagated, readers can know how to recognize and communicate with those who do believe in detrimental myths.

Degree

College and Department

Humanities; English

Rights

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