Politicalization of masks

ressemiotization of facial protection among Pânico listeners (2020-2022)

Abstract

Based on the assumption that masks, during the COVID-19 crisis period, have evolved beyond mere consumer items and instead, constitute statements within a discursive framework when portrayed in media productions, this article aims to examine the transformation of political symbolisms associated with facial protection in public manifestations on social media channels that broadcast radio programs. As the subject of our research, we have selected comments from listeners of the "Pânico" program, on the show's YouTube channel, spanning from 2020 to 2022. Employing Content Analysis as our methodological approach, we intend to observe how the symbolisms surrounding masks have changed over time, transmuting facial protection into a consumer artifact imbued with ideological perspectives and social dissatisfactions.