Local Legends by Jessica Fedchenko

Problem

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 02:58:20 UTC

You are on a tourism committee for the state, and you have noticed that many visitors are interested in "ghost tours", local legends, and other folklore. Why do these legends have so much appeal, and can they be used to attract more tourists to the area?

Stimulus #1 - A Few Local Legends

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:04:35 UTC

Stimulus #2 - Scary Stories and the Local Economy

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:06:13 UTC

Stimulus #3 - Fascination with the Unknown

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:07:46 UTC

Thought Gathering Worksheet

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:09:50 UTC

Question #1

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:12:14 UTC

What are some common urban legends, myths, and other rumors that people believe? 

- Consider local legends, ghost stories, or tall tales from your area… specifically think of places with lots of “history”, because true events are often the origin of these sorts of legends

Question #2

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:14:53 UTC

Why do urban legends, myths, and other rumors continue to exist when there is little evidence to support them?



-Consider the power of mass media in spreading rumors and even creating hysteria around stories or events that are not completely true

Question #3

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:16:13 UTC

Can urban legends, myths, and other rumors be helpful to acommunity? Can they be harmful?

-Consider how many businesses—such as restaurants, souvenir shops, retail stores—often take advantage of a local “theme”, whether it’s ghosts or Colonial America/Revolutionary War or some other history (both real history and folklore)

Project

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:20:53 UTC

You are part of the tourism committee for the state of Florida. As is often the case, certain areas across the state have become a “hot spots” for ghost stories and folk lore. Create a strategy to increase tourism. You must plan an event, structure, or other attraction around a local legend that will increase the number of tourists who visit the state. You will present yourideas to the the fellow citizens in a 3-minute oral and visual presentation, and the fellow citizens will vote on which one would be the most effective and practical.

Discussion

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:21:23 UTC

Ate their ideas involving the folk lore and legends that might actually backfire when it comes to the state’s reputation and bringing in the type of tourists who will respect the area and boost the economy?

Response #1

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:22:12 UTC

Despite a lack of scientific evidence, why do so many myths, ghost stories, and urban legends still exist (and even thrive)?

Response #2

jessicafedchenko2 — 2025-09-24 03:22:38 UTC

How can the folk lore of the state be used to increase tourism? Is it possible for this to “backfire”?