Folklore Frontiers - No 005

Magazine Overview

Title: FOLKLORE FRONTIERS
Issue: No. 5
Editor: Paul Screeton
Focus: Urban Belief Tales and Folklore

This issue of "Folklore Frontiers" delves into the fascinating world of urban legends and contemporary folklore, with a particular emphasis on the emergence of folklore surrounding AIDS. The magazine aims to explore what is generally known as urban belief tales, publishing and editing them by Paul Screeton.

Urban Legends: An Introduction by Jan Harold Brunvand

Jan Harold Brunvand, a renowned folklorist, introduces the concept of urban legends, defining them as contemporary folklore that is often bizarre, unverifiable, and spread through word-of-mouth or media. He uses the example of a fish story reported by Mike Royko to illustrate the characteristics of urban legends: the "friend-of-a-friend" (FOAF) source, a bizarre plot, unverifiable facts, and a traditional story structure. Brunvand notes that other common urban legends include tales of batter-fried rats, hookmen, stolen urine samples mistaken for liquor, and cars filled with cement. He highlights the "Vanishing Hitchhiker" as a classic example, with a specific Chicago variation known as "Resurrection Mary." Brunvand argues that while often associated with cities, these legends are better described as "modern" or "suburban" as they reflect traits of human nature and anxieties about modern life, such as suspicion of neighbours from different ethnic backgrounds.

Brunvand explains that urban legends are appealing because they are often told by credible friends and are tempting to retell. They serve as modern fables, offering implicit warnings or reflecting societal norms. He notes that debunking these legends can sometimes spoil the fun for those who enjoy them for their storytelling appeal or as a means of gaining attention. His books on urban legends have received attention in major publications and abroad, with foreign versions often retaining the core structure but adapting specific details.

He concludes by emphasizing the enduring nature of urban legends, which continue to evolve and adapt to new circumstances, filling a need for commentary and warnings about the modern world.

AIDS-Lore: A Reflection of Modern Fears

Michael Goss contributes an analysis of the folklore surrounding AIDS, noting how the disease has rapidly become a potent symbol of pandemic and fear. He likens the grotesque imagery associated with AIDS to that of the Grim Reaper, suggesting it is fertile ground for the generation of folklore. Goss argues that contemporary folklore, including AIDS-lore, reflects current fears, uncertainties, and moral dilemmas. These stories often convey cautionary messages through exaggeration and fantasy, reinforcing societal values and beliefs.

He points out that AIDS-lore can function as a behavior control system, supporting established beliefs and values like moderation and the superiority of old ways. The fear of AIDS is used to curb behaviors deemed antisocial or aberrant. Examples include the fear of contracting AIDS through sexual contact or even casual interaction, leading to changes in behavior, such as the reported shunning of certain venues by individuals associated with punk culture. Goss also notes how AIDS threats are used to warn against sexual license, which is seen as having "gone too far."

Goss discusses how AIDS-lore can reinforce the idea of divine punishment for human laxity, drawing parallels to historical beliefs. He also addresses the tendency to blame specific groups, particularly homosexuals, for the spread of the virus, comparing this to the historical persecution of Jews during the Black Death. He highlights the efforts of health authorities to combat the misconception that AIDS is exclusively a homosexual disease.

Furthermore, Goss examines how AIDS-lore can be used to reinforce the "unnaturalness" of homosexuality, with jokes and stories playing on this theme. He also touches upon legends like "Putting the bite of fear on you," which involve direct, often violent, encounters related to AIDS.

News Lines and Update

This section provides brief updates on various folklore-related items:

• Sniffer Dogs: A rumour about "canine junkies" has appeared in national cartoon form.
• Cat Flap: A report from The Northern Echo about a police officer investigating sightings of a big cat, initially thought to be a puma, but later identified as a dog.
• Foxed: Fears among Welsh sheep farmers that foxes are being deliberately released into the countryside, with claims that the RSPCA is responsible, which the RSPCA denies.
• AIDS: Mike Goss's earlier discussion on AIDS rumour is mentioned. The section touches upon rumours about children with AIDS being detained and a dubious story about a bogus doctor in Johannesburg. It also references a U.S. gay newspaper offering a "play guy" and a "Greek cowboy" vinyl blow-up.

Book Reviews

The magazine features several book reviews:

• "The Mexican Pet" by Jan Harold Brunvand: Reviewed as a collection of modern myths that questions believed information. The reviewer shares a personal anecdote about a woman collecting ring-pulls for charity, only to find the entire can was made of aluminum.
• "Uncle Mac' dies: This section discusses a children's radio show presenter who allegedly made a crass remark when he thought he was off air, and the phenomenon of rumour becoming truth.
• "The Bothered Bride" and other tales: The reviewer discusses various urban legends, including a story about a newly-wed husband accusing his best man of sleeping with his bride, and the difficulty in verifying such tales.
• "The Book of Nastier Legends" by Paul Smith: This review highlights the book's collection of apocryphal anecdotes, covering categories like animals, cars, horrors, contaminations, sex, crime, and ethnic issues. The reviewer praises the book's humor and its ability to present familiar tales in new ways.
• "Strange Oxford" and "Strange Berkshire" edited by Chris Morgan and Amanda & Chris Cowley & Alan Cleaver: These booklets are described as handysized publications with large typefaces and illustrations, appealing to a wider audience. They cover local legends, sacred sites, folklore, and notable characters.
• "Landscape Lines, Leys and Limits in Old England" by Nigel Pennick: This booklet is presented as a resource for understanding geographical alignments, discussing theories beyond simple "leys" and emphasizing the examination of overall historic and topographic characteristics.
• "REPRODUCTION IS FUN: A BOOK OF PHOTOCOPY JOKE SHEETS" by Paul Smith: This review notes that human humor and ingenuity, combined with photocopiers, keep abreast of the times, with examples of humorous and sometimes coarse cartoons and mock letters.

Magazine Reviews

This section provides brief summaries of other magazines and newsletters:

• Pendragon: A publication focusing on folklore, with recent issues covering early Christianity, prehistoric cultures, mazes, and first-day covers.
• Touchstone: A magazine from the Surrey Earth Mysteries Group, featuring articles on leys, free energy, microwaves, and folklore.
• Quest: A publication on Western Mystery Tradition, with articles on spiritual evolution, runes, witchcraft, and reincarnation.
• UFO BRIGANTIA: The journal of the West Yorkshire UFO Research Group, covering topics like UFO sightings, phantom helicopters, and local investigations.
• Northern Earth Mysteries: A journal from the Northern Earth Mysteries Group, discussing dialectical materialism, leys, and earth mysteries aspects.
• Magonia: An independent journal examining anomalous phenomena and their interaction with society, featuring articles on earthlights, spirit survival, and spooklights.
• NEARA Journal: A publication of the New England Antiquities Research Association, focusing on earth mysteries, rocking stones, and American megaliths.
• Fortean Times: A journal covering strange phenomena, including SHC inquests, Halley's Comet, corn circles, and unusual occurrences.
• Northern UFO News: A publication from the Northern UFO Research North, discussing UFO coverage in the media, UFO sightings, and related investigations.
• The Ley Hunter: A magazine on earth mysteries, featuring reviews, news, and articles on topics like mining lights, household energies, and megalithic sites.
• RILKO NEWSLETTER: A bi-annual magazine from Research into Lost Knowledge Organization, covering alleged terrestrial figures, psychic Glastonbury pictures, and crystals.

Hoax Letter: Jean in a Flush

This article recounts a hoax letter received by Jean Taylor, a housewife, who was accused of using her toilet excessively. The letter, which appeared to be from the Northumbria Water Authority, stated that a meter would be fitted to her toilet to control water usage and charges. While Mrs. Taylor found the letter amusing, the Water Authority deplored such hoaxes, emphasizing that the letter was not official and urging recipients to ignore similar communications.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue revolve around the nature and function of folklore, particularly urban legends and contemporary belief tales. There is a strong focus on how these stories reflect societal anxieties, moral concerns, and cultural shifts. The issue highlights the role of folklore in shaping perceptions, disseminating warnings, and reinforcing or challenging social norms. The editor, Paul Screeton, and contributors like Jan Harold Brunvand and Michael Goss, appear to adopt an academic yet accessible approach to the study of folklore, aiming to document, analyze, and understand these narratives within their cultural contexts. The editorial stance seems to be one of encouraging critical engagement with folklore while acknowledging its pervasive influence on modern life.

This issue of Fortean Times, identified as issue number 20 and dated September 1983, features a cover story titled "HOOK, LINE AND SINKER" and a prominent article "UNDERNEATH THE ARCHES". The magazine focuses on urban legends, folklore, and conspiracy theories, with a significant portion dedicated to the emerging discourse around AIDS.

Readers' Letters

The "Readers' Letters" section presents several contributions from readers, touching upon various anecdotal and folkloric themes:

• Michael Goss from Grays Thurrock, Essex, shares anecdotes about "back-to-front buildings" and the associated urban legends, citing the Kelvingrove Museum & Art Gallery in Glasgow as a prime example. He notes that such stories often stem from a desire to explain architectural oddities or from a general delight in perceived "blunders" by authorities. He also debunks the myth about St John's Church in Westminster being designed to resemble Queen Anne's footstool.
• Guy Sallis from Bargoed, Mid-Glamorgan, recounts two myths circulating from the miners' strike: one about a hospital ward full of miners injured at Orgreave, and another about a soldier seeing his father in police ranks at Orgreave.
• John Michell from London comments on the lack of 19th-century reports on "big cats" and suggests a parallel with "black dogs" folklore, also mentioning a sighting of a wild boar.

Underneath the Arches

This main article, written by Paul Screeton, delves into the grim folklore surrounding the use of concrete in murders and sacrifices:

• Foundation Sacrifice Lore: The article explores the historical and folkloric practice of burying bodies or effigies within the foundations of buildings to ensure their stability or ward off harm. It references Nigel Pennick's work on "Skulls, Cats and Witch Bottles" and mentions various alleged instances, from historical practices to modern interpretations.
• "Concrete Overcoats": A popular variation of this theme involves villains being murdered and their bodies encased in wet concrete. The article cites alleged involvement of the Kray twins in motorway constructions and the disappearance of Jack "The Hat" McVitie and Frank "The Mad Axeman" Mitchell. It also mentions Ronnie Kray's brother claiming McVitie was sunk in the English Channel with an anchor.
• Boulder Dam and Mafia: An account from Rodney Dale suggests the Boulder Dam was filled with bodies of men who had crossed the Mafia.
• Tony Bender and Manhattan: The article touches upon the theory that mobster Tony Bender, who disappeared in 1962, now supports a Manhattan apartment block.
• Birmingham Rotunda: A story is recounted about a building site where an efficiency expert was pushed into concrete footings and covered with more concrete.
• Sylt Camp Atrocities: A reappraisal of the Nazi concentration camp on Alderney mentions claims of atrocities, including photographs of heads sticking out of a cement wall.
• Holger Hiller and Herr Honka: A musician recounts a story about German murderer Herr Honka allegedly disposing of prostitutes' bodies in walls.

The AIDS Conspiracy

The article "Underneath the Arches" also extensively discusses the burgeoning conspiracy theories surrounding the origins of AIDS:

• Man-Made Virus Theory: A prominent theory suggests AIDS is not a natural virus but was produced as an offshoot of government research into germ warfare. This is linked to the "crypto-conspiracy" theme, which often targets "Establishment" figures.
• Zappa's Claims: The article references a certain "Zappa" (possibly Frank Zappa) who believed a cover-up was in progress to disguise AIDS' "sinister and governmental origins." This theory posits the virus was produced at Fort Detrick, Maryland, using data from Japanese POW experiments.
• Testing Effectiveness: A more alarming aspect of the theory suggests the virus could have been unleashed "to test its effectiveness as a weapon which doesn't damage property."
• Government Suspicion: The article notes that such theories gain traction due to existing suspicion about military activities and government research.
• Refutation by Experts: The theories are contrasted with expert opinions, such as that of Anthony Pinching, a clinical immunologist, who refuted the claims on the BBC Radio programme "Any Questions?" by pointing out historical facts that contradicted the timeline of genetic engineering capabilities.
• Historical Evidence: Research indicating AIDS antibody traces in a 1959 blood sample from Zaire predated the development of genetic engineering techniques necessary to create such a virus.
• Racism and AIDS-Lore: The article explores how AIDS-lore can intersect with racism, with allegations that the culture is being undermined by another, or that the virus is a weapon for an invading force. It notes variations where white racists are accused of fabricating AIDS to decimate blacks, or vice versa.
• "White Man's Disease": The Japanese perception of AIDS as the "White Man's Disease" is discussed, alongside the country's reaction to early cases and suspicion falling on foreigners ("gaijin").
• Media Dissemination: The magazine highlights how the press is a significant source for the dissemination of AIDS-related legends and rumours, noting predictions of widespread "Aids Articles" in newspapers.

Other Items

• Postcard from South Africa: A postcard reproduced from RAILWAY WORLD (March 1976) depicts a railwayman in South Africa who allegedly trained a baboon to operate platform levers after losing his legs in an accident. The author questions the plausibility of a man with false legs being on a mountain to train an ape.
• "Mad Matriarchs Shock Horror": This section critiques an article titled "Antifeminist Troublemakers at Glastonbury" from THE PIPES OF P.A.N., No. 24. The author, Paul Screeton, clarifies his stance, stating he acknowledged being a male chauvinist but not antifeminist.

Contributors

The issue acknowledges several contributors:

• Jan Harold Brunvand: Author of books on modern legends, Professor at the University of Utah.
• Michael Goss: A regular contributor to magazines like Common Ground and Magonia.
• Paul Screeton: Author, senior journalist, and editor, focusing on "foundation sacrifice lore."
• Sheila Elgey: Writer of the "hoax letter story" about a cat and a bag of lamb.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently explores the intersection of folklore, urban legends, and contemporary events, particularly those that challenge conventional explanations or involve elements of mystery and conspiracy. The editorial stance appears to be one of critical inquiry, presenting these often disturbing or sensational stories while also providing context, debunking myths, and highlighting expert opinions where available. There is a clear interest in how societal fears, prejudices, and anxieties manifest in popular narratives, especially concerning topics like crime, unexplained phenomena, and public health crises like AIDS. The magazine encourages readers to be aware of the deeper meanings and potential implications of these stories, moving beyond a simple "wit & humour" categorization of folklore.