The Seattle Windshield Pitting Epidemic

A fascinating recounting of a classic example of mass delusion known as The Seattle Windshield Pitting Epidemic.

While the story is important as an example of mass delusion, it is also interesting to note the lack of scientific awareness shown by the public and media.

While SARS is real, I felt an eerie connection between what is happening in Toronto with SARS and what happened with windshield pits in 1954. Of course, I’m not saying that SARS is a mass delusion, only that the public reaction to an(as yet) minor threat is out of proportion and unscientific.

Isn’t it hard not to have a moment of panic when someone coughs near you? Or when you shake hands with a stranger?

[via the always wonderful Boing Boing]