Freakonomics Radio
Why Does Everyone Hate Rats? (Update)
Apr 22, 2026
· 40m
New York City’s mayor called them “public enemy number one.” History books say they caused the Black Death — although recent scientific evidence disputes that claim. In an updated episode from 2025, we ask: Is the rat a scapegoat? And what does our rat hatred say about us? SOURCES: Bethany Brookshire , author of Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains. Kathy Corradi , senior vice president of resident services, partnerships, and initiatives at the New York City Housing Authority. Ed …
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