As the novel coronavirus (now COVID-19) spread around the world, so too did theories, stories, and conspiracy beliefs about the new virus. These theories infected communities from the halls of Congress to Facebook groups, spreading quickly in newspapers, on various social media and between friends. They spurred debate about the origins, treatment options and responses to COVID-19, creating distrust towards public health workers and suspicion of vaccines. This book examines the most popular COVID-19 theories, connecting current conspiracy beliefs to long-standing fears and urban legends. By examining the vehicles and mechanisms of COVID-19 conspiracy, readers can better understand how theories spread and how to respond to misinformation.
Record details
ISBN:1476684677
ISBN:9781476684673
Physical Description:vii, 255 pages : illustrations ; 23 cm print
Publisher:Jefferson, North Carolina : McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers, [2021]
Content descriptions
Bibliography, etc. Note:
Includes bibliographical references (pages 229-252) and index.
Formatted Contents Note:
Conspiracy theory 101: a primer -- The "Wuhan Virus": a cautionary tale of origin conspiracy theories -- Recycling White power rumors after the Black death -- "But my cousin said": Covid-19 and Black communities -- Harmful additives: pre- and pandemic anti-vaccination thinking -- Apocalypse now, or later? End times and the new world order -- QAnon, pizzagate and the pandemic -- Waves of the future or waves of oppression? 5G fears -- Drawing lines in shifting sand: the Covid-19 cartoons of Ben Garrison -- When all is said -- or done: examining ourselves, talking to others.
Book
