Event Lectures and Symposia Conspiracy Theories, Folklore and Belief with Andrea Kitta

In this lecture, noted folklorist Andrea Kitta will discuss some definitions of conspiracy theories and how they fit into other belief traditions and narratives with a focus on understanding why people believe in conspiracy theories and how they function. The term “conspiracy theory” has become loaded and often used to dismiss the belief systems of others, especially those of opposing viewpoints. However, all of us engage in a little conspiratorial thinking at times. Through the use of memes and humor, Dr. Kitta will also discuss how to identify the echo chambers these stories can create.

Dr. Kitta is a folklorist and professor at East Carolina University where she studies vaccination, contagion and contamination narratives, conspiracy theories, belief, and the supernatural. Her monograph, "Vaccinations and Public Concern in History: Legend, Rumor, and Risk Perception," won the Brian McConnell Book Award in 2012. She is also the author of "The Kiss of Death: Contagion, Contamination and Folklore" which won the Chicago Folklore Prize and Brian McConnell Book Award in 2020. She is currently working on a co-edited collection on conspiracy theories.

The Botkin Lecture Series is part of the American Folklife Center's ongoing public programming activities highlighting the fields of folklife, ethnomusicology, oral history, and related disciplines; foregrounding its archival holdings; and fulfilling its congressionally mandated mission.

Free and Open to the public, but tickets are required. 

Accessible seating is available upon request. Please request ADA accommodations at least five days in advance by contacting 202-707-6362 or ada@loc.gov.