Memes, just like every other joke format, don’t exist in a vacuum, which is why being aware of their origins is crucial
I rarely post meme photos, though I’ve done a couple for EDU522 class I’m participating in this month. This article highlights a few of the reasons why I’ve always been hesitant to dip into this method of communication.
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Chris Aldrich
I'm a biomedical and electrical engineer with interests in information theory, complexity, evolution, genetics, signal processing, IndieWeb, theoretical mathematics, and big history.
I'm also a talent manager-producer-publisher in the entertainment industry with expertise in representation, distribution, finance, production, content delivery, and new media.
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I’m glad you posted this article. It really becomes a great launching point into Mod 2, Open vs Privacy. There is nothing stopping me from going out today, and taking a picture of someone, or something, and creating an original meme. It could be mean spirited, and it could go viral. Someone could do that to me.
I don’t agree with the author’s sentiment that the “People of Walmart” is essentially not at the same level. The “People of Walmart” are still actual people, and unbeknownst to them, became some of the first victims to memes, before memes ever existed.
Cheri, if you want a great specific example of the weaponization of memes that goes right to your point and is specific to the open/privacy topic you might take a peek at Ella Dawson’s retelling and analysis of the #PlaneBae story in early July. I bookmarked it at the time for reference.
#OpenVsPrivacy