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 language | English |
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Title of host publication | The Routledge Companion to Political Journalism |
Editors | James Morrison, Jen Birks, Mike Berry |
Place of Publication | United Kingdom |
Publisher | Taylor & Francis |
Chapter | 31 |
Pages | 330-342 |
Number of pages | 13 |
Edition | 1 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9781000456639 |
ISBN (Print) | 9780367248222 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 20 Oct 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |