Civil Society Must Be Defended: Misinformation, Moral Panics, and Wars of Restoration. (12th March 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bratich, Jack
• Is Part Of: Communication, culture, & critique. Volume 13:Number 3(2020:Sep.)
• Page Start: 311
• Page End: 332
• Publication Date: 2020-03-12
• Subjects: Fake News -- War -- Dissent -- Moral Panics -- Misinformation -- Post-Truth -- Counterinsurgency; Communication -- Periodicals; Mass media -- Periodicals; Culture -- Periodicals; Criticism -- Periodicals."com; 300.5
• DOI: 10.1093/ccc/tcz041
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-9129

Abstract

Abstract: In this article, I propose that we think of the recent concern over fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and conspiracy theories as a moral panic. I revisit Stuart Hall and his co-authors' concept, updating it in two ways. First, I focus on how the current panic has altered what they called "primary definers" (which now includes professional journalism, as a result of their own waning authority). Second, the new alliance of panic actors (journalism, technology companies, intelligence agencies, politicians, civil society organizations) are expressions of a crisis policing that is now martialized. I assess this new nexus in terms of a breakdown of civil peace into outright hostilities; as a counterinsurgency operation. I draw on Michel Foucault's strategic analysis of power and society that challenges boundaries between politics and war. This nexus is waging what I call a war of restoration, one that has significant implications for dissent and oppositional knowledges.