Author: Danielle Holm

Which Doctors Sparked a Twitter Feud?

President Trump let his finger slip while retweeting a call to fire Dr. Anthony Fauci. Anti-vaccine activists didn’t waste any time gaining #FireFauci the #1 trending spot on Twitter. The argument circles Fauci’s support of vaccinations and Dr. Shiva Ayyadurai, a controversial scientist pushing claims that a vitamin regime can prevent and treat the coronavirus. […]

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SpongeBob Goes Viral

Background This meme is based on the “Meets” Meme frame, combining the “To-Do List – Nothing” SpongeBob GIF and current culture during the coronavirus pandemic. This meme frame became popular on Twitter beginning in 2018 and continues to be popular, reemerging over the past year. Featured below is an example, using this meme frame, that […]

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Most Legendary Pond Jump or Gator Food?

Youtube’s trending list features stuntman, Ronnie Mac, attempting the world’s most legendary pond gap. The video titled “Ronnie Mac Visited My House and Attempted the World’s Most Legendary Pond Gap… *BALD EAGLE BOOTER*” has reached almost 30K views and was posted on Cleetus McFarland’s Youtube channel on March 10, 2020. This trend is most likely a result of Mac and McFarland’s already large youtube following as well as the awe-inspiring content. Want to find out of Mac ends up as gator food? Check out this short clip on the video!

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Memes Leave Lasting Impressions

A meme is an idea with spreading power symbolizing an element of culture usually expressed through text and graphics. Gleick states, “memes are complex units, distinct and memorable–-units with staying power (Gleick, 2011).” Memes combine current culture with humor packaged in a visual.

While memes utilize humor, they should be taken seriously. Memes can be seen as a reflection of current society and leave a lasting impression. Roger Sperry says “[i]deas cause ideas and help evolve new ideas (Gleick, 2011).” In this sense, memes are embedding ideas in the mind of the public and helping to evoke new ones.

In this example, an early meme is used to discuss the current political climate. This particular meme is used to represent unfortunate situations that are out of one’s control. World War III may be no joke, but the Twittersphere can relate to Trump’s out of context and questionable tweets.

In another example, a meme is used to create a discussion about climate change. It also integrates popular culture use of “boomer” to direct its audience at Millenials or Gen-Z. While the meme discusses a serious issue and the lack of consistent opinions on the topic, it also brings in humor to capture the audience.

In each of these examples, a serious topic is used as a meme in order to create awareness and lasting impressions on the public. Memes are a current way of discussing important topics and fostering community with humor.

 

 

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