From Meme to Hate Symbol

Film Screening ‘Feels Good Man’ with introduction by dr. Daniel Trottier
Date
Tuesday 7 Jun 2022, 19:00 - 21:00
Type
Lecture
Spoken Language
English
Location

Erasmus Paviljoen

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How does a crude drawing of a little frog turn into a symbol of hate? That is the question that documentary maker Arthur Jones tries to answer in Feels Good Man. Following the creator of the infamous internet meme ‘Pepe the Frog’, this movie shows how the cartoon character was conceived, started living a life of his own, and slowly became co-opted by the alt- and extreme right. Can you still get your creation back once it has turned into a meme? And what is the role of memes in extremism?

The Documentary Feels Good Man follows artist Matt Furie, creator of the character Pepe the Frog. Pepe turned from an innocent meme into a political symbol. Even Donald Trump referenced the character when he was running for president. Members of online communities even say they ‘memed’ Trump in the White House by spreading pictures of the frog. Just how influential can a silly picture be? And what can the role of a meme be in political discourse? Throughout this movie and introduction, you will find out.

The movie will be introduced by Dr. Daniel Trottier, who will go through the history of the alt-right and the influence of memes on political discourse. Daniel Trottier is Associate Professor at the Department of Media and Communication. His current research considers the use of digital media for the purposes of scrutiny, denunciation, and shaming. In 2020 he published the book Violence and Trolling on Social Media: History, Affect, and Effects of Online Vitriol with Sara Polak.

More information

Date: 7 June 2022
Time: 19.00 - 21.00 Doors open: 18.30
Location: Erasmus Paviljoen
Tickets: Free

Organised by Studium Generale

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