'Antisemitism & the Internet: Coded Hate Speech in Online Memetics' Film for Mozilla
As the primary forum for the spread of visual media, the Internet has become a space in which visual hatred is spread. On the Right, iterations of Antisemitism have taken a specific form in an attempt to circumvent regulation online. Antisemitic dog whistles are hidden within usernames and comedic or abstract imagery. Equally, on the Left, Antisemitism finds itself embedded into anticapitalist memes, conspiracy and political imagery. These abstracted images, signs and symbols are used as a way of covertly signalling such views. Crucially, the pervasiveness of Antisemitism online inevitably leads to real-life violence. This film looks to unpack these iterations of coded Antisemitism to help users gain the tools to recognise anti-Jewishness online— whether it manifests into usernames, comedic or abstract imagery, or political memes. It gives users the ability to recognise corrupt interpretations of Jewishness and Judaism — those made by anyone other than Jewish people — both IRL and online.
Warning - this video contains content some viewers might find triggering.
Created by Feminist Internet co-founders Andrew Mallinson & Conor Rigby
in collaboration with David Hochhauser and Nicole Zisman, for Mozilla Festival (March 8-19 2021).
Supported by Islington Council.