Final answer:
Rumours start with communication that gets misinterpreted or embellished and often spread due to human curiosity. They are maintained as more people engage, and generally stop when credible information emerges or when critical thought is applied.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rumours can start innocently but often lead to unforeseen consequences. The spread of rumours typically begins with a seemingly harmless comment or an exaggerated story. As in the anecdote shared by an old traveler, what starts as 'Stop lying like that; I've never heard anything so totally ridiculous.' can pique curiosity and grow into a tall tale as more people add their interpretations and supposed facts. In the example given, the rumour may begin with a statement as outlandish as rivers flowing backward or the moon dripping dew, but the intent is not necessarily malicious. It is human nature, as expressed by the listener's eagerness to know everything, that helps to propagate these falsehoods. Eventually, as awareness of the untruthfulness becomes apparent or the original source of the rumour is discredited, the rumour dissipates and finally stops. This ebb and flow from start to finish illustrate how easily misinformation can be accepted and then questioned once reliable information is introduced or when critical thinking is applied. The example related to sexual harassment is critical as it underscores the importance of language in giving voice to experiences and countering harmful rumours or misinformation by providing a clear and accurate way to discuss them.