![Street art in Rio de Janeiro. Bolsonaro is depicted wearing a face mask with the word "Covard-17" written on it. This is a pun that blends the word COVID-19 with covarde ("coward") and Bolsonaro's identification number (17) in the 2018 election. Bolsonaro, covid, covarde, coronavirus, corona, corona crisis, populism](https://www.diggitmagazine.com/sites/default/files/styles/2_1_mobile/public/field/image/Mauro%20Pimentel%20-%20AFP%20-Covard-17-Rio-de-Janeiro.jpg?itok=pFM1dSyy)
© © Mauro Pimentel/AFP
The article discusses processes of mythification employed to support Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro's controversial reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic. Mainstream and "new" media work together in the construction of myths with political ends.