Poster about right-wing codes and encryption tactics on the internet. The raised hand emoji, which actually expresses the need to say or ask something, is being misused as a Hitler salute. The emoji is often used as a greeting in far-right and QAnon groups. It is difficult to prove whether it is actually a Hitler salute, as emoji in combination with text offer many possible interpretations. This ambiguity allows users to communicate their controversial political opinions and even hateful statements through these harmless little symbols. The resulting ambiguity makes it possible to later distance oneself from written statements by denying and trivialising them. This creates a kind of ironic encoding of content that only those in the know can understand, working through a mixture of jokes, exaggerations, emoticons and references. Those who understand the sophisticated codes become part of a group, and a sense of belonging is created through a secret language. This is often the start of a gradual radicalisation; you feel heard, understood and part of a movement, of something bigger.

This poster was made for the open call »Plakate Gegen Rechts« by »Verlage Gegen Rechts«.