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Memes of Gandhi and Mercury in Anti-Vaccination Discourse
[journal article]
Abstract This study focuses on two widely circulating memes in the anti-vaccination movement, namely lists of vaccine ingredients containing mercury, and quotes attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. Mercury has been identified by conspiracy theorists as one of the most harmful components of vaccines, and Gandhi, who... view more
This study focuses on two widely circulating memes in the anti-vaccination movement, namely lists of vaccine ingredients containing mercury, and quotes attributed to Mahatma Gandhi. Mercury has been identified by conspiracy theorists as one of the most harmful components of vaccines, and Gandhi, who has condemned vaccination practices, has been celebrated as a significant source of authority. Quotes attributed to Gandhi against vaccination, complete with picture and embellished font, circulate across various popular platforms, as do intimidating images of syringes dipped in poison coupled with a list of seemingly occult or dangerous ingredients. This article analyses both memes, moving from the imageboard 4chan to the search engine Google Images, and illustrates how the repurposed, often ironic use of visual tropes can either undermine or strengthen the claims that accompany them. The aim is to explore the intersections of conspiracy theory, visual rhetoric, and digital communication in order to elucidate the ambiguity of memes as vehicles for the spread of controversial health-related information.... view less
Keywords
disinformation; vaccination; damage to one's health; online media; social media; search engine; digital media; information
Classification
Media Politics, Information Politics, Media Law
Interactive, electronic Media
Free Keywords
conspiracy theories; memes; misinformation
Document language
English
Publication Year
2020
Page/Pages
p. 353-363
Journal
Media and Communication, 8 (2020) 2
Issue topic
Health and Science Controversies in the Digital World: News, Mis/Disinformation and Public Engagement
ISSN
2183-2439
Status
Published Version; peer reviewed