Memes Fuel Rumors About Haitians Eating Pets Amidst National Debate
The Beginning of the Rumor
Before the memes started racking up millions of views, there was an unfounded rumor in a small-town Facebook group. The post claimed, without evidence, that an immigrant community in Springfield, Ohio, was eating people's pets. Days later, the claim would be elevated onto a national stage at the presidential debate, and an ensuing meme war would culminate into bomb threats.
How Memes Amplified the Misinformation
On July 8, a letter to Congress from Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck drew attention to the growing Haitian immigrant population in the town of about 58,000 people. Heck, in his letter to Senators Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Tim Scott (R-S.C.), requested financial assistance, creating a backdrop for these ridiculous memes.
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