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As the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) spread around the world, so did theories, stories, and conspiracy beliefs about it. 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 the virus, 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.
List of contents
Table of ContentsForeword by Anna Merlan
Introduction
One.¿Conspiracy Theory 101: A Primer
Two.¿The "Wuhan Virus": A Cautionary Tale of Origin Conspiracy Theories
Three.¿Recycling White Power Rumors After the Black Death
Four.¿"But My Cousin Said": Covid-19 and Black Communities
Five.¿Harmful Additives: Pre-and Pandemic Anti-Vaccination Thinking
Six.¿Apocalypse Now, or Later? End Times and the New World Order
Seven.¿QAnon, Pizzagate and the Pandemic
Eight.¿Waves of the Future or Waves of Oppression? 5G Fears
Nine.¿Drawing Lines in Shifting Sand: The Covid-19 Cartoons of Ben Garrison
Ten.¿When All Is Said-or Done: Examining Ourselves, Talking to Others
Acknowledgments
Author Biographies
Chapter Notes
References Cited
Index
About the author
John Bodner is an associate professor of folklore in the social/cultural studies program at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland. He has conducted fieldwork among tree planters, street kids and illegal marijuana growers to document the relationship between marginalized communities, work, identity, crime, and tradition.Wendy Welch is the author or editor of six books and the executive director of the Graduate Medical Education Consortium of Southwest Virginia where she advocates for social justice and policy planning in equal measure. She lives in Wytheville, Virginia.Ian Brodie is the associate professor of folklore at Cape Breton University in Nova Scotia, Canada. President-Elect of the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research, he has served as President of the Folklore Studies Association of Canada.
Summary
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.
