Over the past decade, an engulfing craze has emerged in the interwebs. Its identity has intertwined with social media and has become synonymous with comedy itself. Regardless of color, creed, gender, or age, anyone living in a modernized civilization has been conditioned to live in this culture. I am speaking of none other than the meme.
The meme, while originally referring to an idea or behavior that spreads from person to person, has transformed into something much bigger. The meme is now the preferred communication method of our society, specifically the younger crowd. Complex thoughts, detailed occurrences, professional faux pas, or feelings with which everyday people can identify are "memeified" on the regular. It has created a high-context society where very little background information is presented. In meme culture, everyone already knows the instance to which the meme is referring. It is almost like an inside joke...that anyone can be in on. Additionally, there is an aspect of intelligence associated with memes. Meme enjoyers are sometimes required to "connect the dots" or ponder the meaning for awhile in order to fully enjoy the message portrayed by the meme.
"Stoner Stanley" meme: Used to convey comedic thoughts produced by recreational drug trips
Additionally, some memes are just meant to be a bit of a goof. A silly chuckle or a good ol' giggle are often welcomed in meme culture. Without the silliness of memes, memes would get too serious and overcome the very essence of brief, comedic communication.
Ehtan Klein of H3H3 Productions; known for his gooby and uncensored style
Memes can be used to convey satirical content, to draw upon the emotions of a significant world occurrence, to express affiliation with a social or political group, or to simply compile a thought into a concise and aesthetically pleasing format.
Unfortunately, some memes have been deemed unacceptable or uncouth by social justice groups. These memes are known to be "edgy". This essentially means that the use of said meme could be considered controversial due to its unintentional or intentional affiliation with a widely unaccepted worldview.
Pepe: labeled a racist icon by Hillary Clinton during 2016 Presidential Campaign due to frequent usage by Trump Supporters.
Harambe: Deemed a racist, offensive meme by Columbia University for its associated slogan, "D***s Out For Harambe"
It's truly a shame that these fun, light-hearted meme gems are hi-jacked and labeled as racist or phobic propaganda. Unfortunately, one person with bad intentions can ruin it for the whole bunch. Thankfully, new memes are being created or discovered every day.
Another interesting concept is the lifespan of a meme. Memes do in fact live and die. Additionally, it is an internet rule that a meme cannot be resurrected once collectively declared dead. If a dead meme is then used after it's known expiration, it is declared "stale" by all meme viewers. A meme which has just been given the breath of life, which is thriving and gaining momentum, is known as "dank". Dank memes are always sought after by memers in order to deliver the greatest comedic effect.
A few memes which have both been birthed and experienced expiration in just the past few weeks include:
"Brother, may I have some oats?"
Salt Bae
Finally, the most current meme which is in the middle of its lifespan is known as "wot in tarnation". This meme has been depicted in many different forms. I regret to inform you that this meme's life expectancy is approximately two more days. At the current rate, by the end of 2017, memes will only be relevant for 24 hours. By that time, a new meme will have taken its place.
Original "wot n ternation" meme
variant "what in tarnation" meme which gained traction
example of meme exhaustion; reaching variant
Memes are certainly a complex organism living on the vast interwebs of today's culture. The more you know about them the more easily you can connect to individuals in society. While memes may grow, die, evolve, and take on different forms, thankfully it looks like they are here to stay indefinitely.
Great post. Thoughtful and timely.
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