If it’s good enough for Taiwan, should New Zealand adopt some of the same ‘funny’ medicine?

Taiwan has, for almost a year, adopted a Covid-strategy of “Humour over Rumour”. Within 20 minutes of false Covid news, the island’s government social media team rebuts and replies in a humorous way. 

It works on the premise that humour spreads virally more quickly than fake news.

Well…given the anti-vaxxxxxxxxxxxxx cohort, would lightening up some of the messaging around the Covid vaccines be additionally useful along with the ‘informed choice’ narrative?

Trying to deal head-on with the distortions and fear-mongering of those who oppose such a jab is a thankless task.

By using devices such as parody, satire and pastiche we can reframe the argument, subtly go “yes, but” to the naysayers.

So let’s give some creative licence, some freedom-to-amuse to those charged with convincing the anti-brigade that it’s their own, their children and the country’s best interest to vaccinate against Covid.

There’s light-hearted ways, including metaphors, to explain why Covid vaccination is good for us – and not just some conspiracy.

There’s light-hearted ways to say yep, there could be side effects – but is that worse than Covid’s major side effect, i.e. death?

There’s light-hearted ways to expose anti-vaxxers demented thinking, irrational beliefs, confused craziness…even if if they feel is true.

What it takes is a willingness to have a go, take a risk.

As such though, there’s no risk.

We can’t serious our way to full acceptance and herd immunity.

But you can laugh your way.

We like to think we have a reasonable sense of humour here in Godzone.

What do we have to lose by adopting a lighthearted ‘get vaccinated’ approach alongside a more serious exhortation?

I’m happy to help – but by all means feel free to point out my illogic.