[ecrea] New book: Media Hoaxing

*Media Hoaxing: The Yes Men and Utopian Politics
*Ian Reilly

This book explores the history, theory, practice, politics, and efficacy 
of hoaxing through an in-depth study of the Yes Men, one of the most 
important media activist groups to have emerged in the past two decades. 
Better known as humorous deceptions or politically motivated deceptive 
actions, media hoaxes are increasingly being used by activists seeking 
to change the world by drawing attention to abuses of power by 
corporations and governments. In this regard, the Yes Men are the 
unrivaled masters of the media hoax. By blending cutting political 
satire, outlandish humor, and sobering social criticism, they expose the 
wrongdoings of the world’s most powerful institutions to make them more 
accountable, transparent, and responsible to the public. These 
interventions serve as compelling case studies from which to explore two 
defining tensions underpinning all activist endeavors—failure and 
success. In situating the Yes Men’s work in relation to failure and 
success, discussions surrounding the defining realities of activist 
struggle come to the fore, creating room for greater emphasis on cycles 
of activist innovation, adaptation, and renewal. Thus, this book sheds 
light on why media hoaxing has emerged as a significant 21st century 
activist practice and makes a case for the significance of the media 
hoax as a positive force in the articulation of utopian politics.


https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498527354/Media-Hoaxing-The-Yes-Men-and-Utopian-Politics 
<https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781498527354/Media-Hoaxing-The-Yes-Men-and-Utopian-Politics> 



*Reviews
*
Reilly’s book is the premier scholarly study of the historical, 
conceptual, political, aesthetic, and performative dimensions of the Yes 
Men. A comprehensive guide to the Yes Men’s tactical media struggles for 
social justice in the age of convergent spectacles and 'fake news,' a 
judicious and reflexive assessment of the political possibilities and 
pitfalls surrounding practices of media hoaxing and culture jamming, and 
a deft reminder of the power of laughter, Reilly’s book is a must read 
for progressive researchers, activists, and artists.
— Tanner Mirrlees, University of Ontario Institute of Technology


Drawing mainly from the vast corpus of Yes Men pranksters—our favorite 
contemporary hucksters of ironic journalism—Ian Reilly ably charts the 
history, anatomy, intent, and failures/successes of media hoaxing. In 
the spirit of Jonathan Swift, these swindlers of traditional media 
unmask corporate greed, social injustices, and the widespread 
circulation of misinformation that we unthinkingly consume. Reilly's 
work points toward the efficacy of duping and the utopic possibilities 
for critical media hijinks...and not a moment too soon.
— Rebecca Krefting, Skidmore College


Reilly's book provides an expert and thorough analysis of the phenomenal 
political satire of the Yes Men, intelligently-grounded in cultural and 
media studies. Situating their political interventions in the context of 
hoaxing, media activism, and journalism, Reilly brings the Yes Men to 
life through his sharp writing and savvy insight. A must-read for all 
interested in political humor and activism.
— Megan Boler, professor at the Department of Social Justice Education, 
Ontario Institute of Studies in Education, University of Toronto


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