Stuff You Missed in History Class Behind the Scenes Minis: French Fear and Frozen Food
Nov 7, 2025
Explore the complexities of the French Revolution, focusing on the Great Fear and how misinformation spread panic similar to today's social media. Discover the intriguing life of Clarence Birdseye, from his Arctic adventures to revolutionizing frozen food. Delve into his unique personality, innovative techniques, and the influence of his work on food safety regulations. The discussion also touches on historical attitudes toward food production and diet choices, linking past practices with contemporary issues.
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Panic Fueled By Rapid Rumor Spread
- The Great Fear spread like modern misinformation, fueled by rumor, hunger, and uncertainty.
- Tracy B. Wilson connects it to social media dynamics and panic-driven amplification.
Fringe Claims Can Seem Mainstream
- Tracy compares 1789 panic to social media where fringe statements become perceived mainstream views.
- She warns rapid amplification can make isolated claims seem widely held and urgent.
Deepfakes Escalate Collective Anxiety
- Modern tech (AI videos) intensifies misinformation by producing plausible false evidence quickly.
- Holly Frey and Tracy note this worsens panic when societies are already on edge.