Folklore includes the traditional art, stories, knowledge, and practices of a people. But as much as folklore is a thing—oral narratives, handmade objects, internet memes, rituals, music, and dance—it is also a way of studying human creativity in everyday life.

For this reason, folklorists are particularly well-positioned to comment on a vast array of contemporary and historical issues including:

• Chants, songs and slogans at political rallies and protests
• Traditions of diverse ethnic groups in the U.S. and around the world
• Holiday origins, practices, and traditions, both sacred and secular
• Beliefs in conspiracy theories, contemporary legends, and the supernatural
• Religious expressions in public and private spaces
• Public policies that impact historically marginalized communities such as issues of poverty, healthcare, education, and immigration.
• Social media trends, viral videos, and internet memes
• Historical and contemporary figures that embody national, regional, and ethnic folk identities

You can find recent publications of folklore research, folklore news, and many more resources on the AFS website.