The Delegitimizing Potential of Internet Memes in Political Communication: A Case Study of the 202 US election

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Abstract

Internet memes are artifacts of digital culture that are created and shared for a range of purposes, typically involving humour. In particular, memes are often utilized as a vehicle for the communication of political beliefs and attitudes. In doing so, creators have a tendency to engage in the discursive practice of delegitimization by mocking or criticizing the target. In this chapter, I focus on Internet memes as delegitimization via a case study of a selection of memes created and shared during the 2020 US election campaign targeting then-candidate Joe Biden. The examples shown highlight the potential for memes to simply and quickly convey a delegitimizing message of view within the domain of political communication and discourse.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationThe Routledge Companion to Political Journalism
EditorsJames Morrison, Jen Birks, Mike Berry
Place of PublicationUnited Kingdom
PublisherTaylor & Francis
Chapter31
Pages330-342
Number of pages13
Edition1
ISBN (Electronic)9781000456639
ISBN (Print)9780367248222
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 20 Oct 2021
Externally publishedYes

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