5.16.2.1. Appropriation attack
An appropriation attack is one where the attackers attempt to associate an existing symbol to their cause.
For example during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests (反对逃犯条例修订草案运动) attackers attempted to use this technique to associate a generic Chinese Chun-Li-like character Mei from Blizzard’s Overwatch game to try and get it blocked in China after the gaming company punished a pro gamer for defending the Hong Kong protests. Coverage https://www.businessinsider.com/blizzard-fans-overwatch-mei-hong-kong-protests-memes-2019-10 (archive).
Figure 62. Mei from Blizzard’s Overwatch was used in an attempted Appropriation attack during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests (反对逃犯条例修订草案运动). Source.
An appropriation attack is one where the attackers attempt to associate an existing symbol to their cause.
For example during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests (反对逃犯条例修订草案运动) attackers attempted to use this technique to associate a generic Chinese Chun-Li-like character Mei from Blizzard’s Overwatch game to try and get it blocked in China after the gaming company punished a pro gamer for defending the Hong Kong protests. Coverage https://www.businessinsider.com/blizzard-fans-overwatch-mei-hong-kong-protests-memes-2019-10 (archive).
Figure 62. Mei from Blizzard’s Overwatch was used in an attempted Appropriation attack during the 2019 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protests (反对逃犯条例修订草案运动). Source.