The headlines of modern newspapers are often littered with weird news stories. Indeed, there are some web journals that specifically catalog and follow stories about the coincidences of modern life. In addition, tabloids, such as the National Enquirer and US Weekly, describe in brutal and vivid detail the bizarre goings-on of our American celebrity culture.

What about these weird news stories attracts our attention? Is it the odd coincidences and parallels to our own experiences of serendipity and deja vu, or does our attraction have something to do with the fact that these stories jar our fundamental notions of reality? According to cultural analysts, weird news stories evoke the same strong emotions of pity and fear that are brought out by classic tragedy.

The Whole Wide Weird World

After all, we tend not to consider events weird or newsworthy if we experience them every day. For instance, if you go to a baseball game and nothing spectacular happens, you won't have much to report in the way of weird news. However, if a person unfamiliar with American baseball culture were to experience that same game, he or she would likely come away baffled by all the weird symbols and cultural artifacts.

At the end of the day, human beings are compelled to share bizarre stories because these running narratives present a kind of cultural currency. The world is topsy-turvy with information overload, and our weird news stories act as a common means of communication. They are also good emotional and psychological levelers in that they remind us of the absurdity and randomness of everyday life.