We all know gossip can potentially be harmful. It can cause confrontations, break up friendships, and ruin reputations. However, many people are drawn to the entertaining aspects of knowing the hidden details of people’s lives. The article below, featured in the October 14, 1911 Perth Amboy Evening News, proposes that gossip makes the conversations more interesting. According the article, it is beneficial to gossip because it can bring the listeners in closer touch with their friends and neighbors, without any harm done.
The article includes an example from Jane Austen’s Persuasion, where character Nurse Rourke is known as being a woman with keen observation. “….When Nurse Rourke has half an hour’s leisure to bestow on me, she is sure to have something interesting to relate, something that is entertaining and profitable; something that makes one know one’s species better.”
However, not everyone is a fan of idle gossip. There have been anti-gossip clubs and movements started to spread awareness of this matter. The article below, featured in the August 20, 1912 Newark Evening Star Newark Advertiser describes how gossip spoiled a summer hotel employee’s vacation. The employee was new to the hotel business, and therefore her inexperience made her a popular topic of conversation. It is unfortunate that she left the hotel business in a solemn manner.
The article below is featured in the June 19, 1908 The Star and Newark Advertiser, also argues against gossip.
In the end there are two sides to the argument. People either believe that gossip can provide excite conversations or harm others. However, it still plays a large aspect in many social gatherings.
(Contributed by Kristi Chanda)