Mainstream Media and the Impression on Popular Culture
"One of the most pervasive cultural influences of astronomy has been the idea that life forms, perhaps far superior to our own, may exist beyond the Earth. This idea may be tied to Gods and Goddesses of ancient myths and to the spiritual/celestial beings of religion or it may be, as some have suggested, a manifestation of an emotional need for imaginary beings. " (Dick, 1996)
"Tradition Helps to Create and Confirm a Sense of Identity"
Tradition is very crucial to understand when talking about Folklore. Tradition is described as, "...simply the sharing of something of cultural significance from group member to group member."(Sims & Stephens, 2011) These groups could be family, sports teams, religious members or in this case, victims of alien abductions or even UFO/Alien believers. Sharing traditions within a group allows members to feel they are a part of something and can create a special connection in which encourages ones sense of identity in relation to that connection.