Myth

  • From: A.J.M. Sykes. "Myth in Communication." The Journal of Communication 20 (March 1970): 17-31.

    1. Defintion:

  • Myth is the "expression of abstract ideas in a concrete form. A myth takes the form of a story that embodies certain ideas and at the same time offers a justification of those ideas. If the myth is to be effective it must be so constructed as to appeal to the emotions and enlist sympathy for the ideas expressed, and, at the same time, the subject matter of the story must offer an acceptable justification of these ideas. The actual truth or falsity of the story is irrelevant; what is important is that the story and the ideas it embodies are accepted and believed to be true.
  • "A myth is a story about a particular incident which is put forward as containing or suggesting some general truth.
  • If the story remains particular and is not seen to speak to generalizations, then it is not a myth but is merely an anecdote.
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    2. Description:

  • A. myth conveys the perception of a whole, of a complete entity

    B. myth is a very concise way of conveying a perception

    C. myth is easily and universally understood

    D. myth is concrete and particular, despite its generalizability

    E. myth is imprecise and often presents perceptions that are not fixed

    F. perceptions are created as a result of structuring situations by means of attitudes, beliefs, and values

    G. myth is used to arouse emotional responses

    H. myth makes an emotive use of language, distinct from a scientific use

    I. myth is concerned with conveying emotions and perceptions

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