Comic Relief From COVID-19: Leaders Really Meme It When They Say Stay Home


Some officials are using humor to urge citizens to follow Covid-19 directives like staying at home and social distancing. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot used memes shared under #whereslightfoot as inspiration for a public service announcement, where she uses humor to reinforce the city’s stay at home order. Other officials, such as the governors of New York, California, and Kentucky, have created humorous videos, engaged in playful banter, and enlisted the help of famous comedians to reach people. The response has been positive, but some critics worry that sarcasm can cause people to push back on the advice.

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