Main description:

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.

Contents:

Foreword by Anna Merlan 1
Introduction 5
One. Conspiracy Theory 101: A Primer 9
Two. The "Wuhan Virus": A Cautionary Tale of Origin Conspiracy Theories 29
Three. Recycling White Power Rumors After the Black Death 59
Four. "But My Cousin Said": Covid-19 and Black Communities 73
Five. Harmful Additives: Pre-and Pandemic Anti-Vaccination Thinking 95
Six. Apocalypse Now, or Later? End Times and the New World Order 117
Seven. QAnon, Pizzagate and the Pandemic 143
Eight. Waves of the Future or Waves of Oppression? 5G Fears 164
Nine. Drawing Lines in Shifting Sand: The Covid-19 Cartoons of Ben Garrison 180
Ten. When All Is Said-or Done: Examining Ourselves, Talking to Others 204
Acknowledgments 218
Author Biographies 219
Chapter Notes 221
References Cited 229
Index 253