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This book provides a solid, encompassing definition of Internet memes, exploring both the common features of memes around the globe and their particular regional traits. It identifies and explains the roles that these viral texts play in Internet communication: cultural, social and political implications; significance for self-representation and identity formation; promotion of alternative opinion or trending interpretation; and subversive and resistant power in relation to professional media, propaganda, and traditional and digital political campaigning. It also offers unique comparative case studies of Internet memes in Russia and the United States.
List of contents
Introduction
1. Definition and Evolution
2. Before Memes: Tactical Media, Humour and Affective Engagement with Politics Online
3. Many Uses of Memes: From Fast-Food Media to Political Mindbombs
4. Globalisation and Memes
5. Russian Resistance and Propaganda (through Memes) in 2014
6. US memes on Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2017
7. Conclusion
About the author
Anastasia Denisova is Lecturer in Journalism at the Communication and Media Research Institute at the University of Westminster, UK.
Summary
This book provides a solid, encompassing definition of Internet memes, exploring both the common features of memes around the globe and their particular regional traits. It identifies and explains the roles that these viral texts play in Internet communication.
Report
'Anastasia Denisova offers outstanding scholarship on meme creation and digital activism in the form of memes as tools of dissent. In this work we get an innovatibe approach on understanding memes as discursive weapons, solidarity-building and as carnivalesque. For those interested in political resistance and the use of digital means in authoritarian and increasingly censored digital networks, the author breaks new ground establising excellent scholarship in this new area of study.' --Athina Karatzogianni, University of Leicester, UK
