ABSTRACT
A classic temptation consists in making an inventory or classification of rumors' contents. Rumors reach our ears in many different forms. Some of them are very short, while others constitute veritable scenarios; some of them are very sparsely furnished while others present a true wealth of details. Rumors can also be classified by their narrative form. Most rumors announce a mishap, catastrophe, peril, or treason: rumors' dominant color is black. A rumor is a collective act. Unanimity is created more easily when directed against something than for something. When they sense that unanimity is declining, political regimes do not hesitate to create a new crusade from scratch, a new war against the enemy. The negativity of rumors provides a similar benefit. By accusing foreigners in one's town, one creates solidarity against them. The group becomes aware of its own existence and power as the rumor spreads farther and wider.
