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
