Dorson

Dorson refers primarily to Richard Mercer Dorson (1916-1981), an American folklorist and academic. He is widely considered the "father of American folklore studies" for his efforts in establishing folklore as a distinct academic discipline in the United States.

Dorson advocated for a rigorous, scholarly approach to folklore research, emphasizing fieldwork, textual analysis, and comparative studies. He was critical of popular and romanticized notions of folklore, particularly those found in amateur collecting and popular media. He argued for a clear separation between "fakelore" (fabricated or inauthentic folklore) and genuine traditions rooted in specific communities.

Dorson held professorships at Michigan State University and later Indiana University, where he founded and directed the Folklore Institute. He authored and edited numerous books and articles on a wide range of folklore topics, including American folklore, British folklore, and comparative mythology. Notable works include "Bloodstoppers and Bearwalkers: Folk Traditions of the Upper Peninsula," "American Folklore," "Folklore and Fakelore," and "History of British Folklore."

His work significantly shaped the development of folklore studies, influencing generations of scholars and promoting a more critical and nuanced understanding of folklore traditions. He championed the importance of documenting and preserving the cultural heritage of diverse communities and challenged simplistic or stereotypical representations of folklore. Despite his contributions, Dorson's legacy has been subject to debate and re-evaluation, particularly concerning his views on authenticity and his sometimes-combative personality within the field.