Language is constructed through symbols, and memes are rapidly changing cultural symbols that use compound layers of language such as composition, jargon and slang to create meaning (Davison, 127). Internet memes are often based around humor, but not necessarily. Humorous artifacts are more likely to recirculate, and thus become important features of our culture.
Davison wrote how behavior and culture can be inherited and learned through observation. Learned behavior is often transmitted through cultural artifacts. Internet memes are the fastest transmission of culture. Online and off, memes alter our language and style as we adopt bits and pieces of their influence. Everyone has a unique sense of style. Just take a look at the various differences in each of our blog posts. Even within the narrow form of a class blog, our style peeks through in our content and language. We use our distinct style to express ourselves. This is especially evident on social-media platforms, which exist as profiles that are supposed to represent our identity.
Both articles spoke of expression of identity through messages. Humor is the most widely acceptable form of self-expression. That is, it is the most likely to be noticed, approved, and enjoyed. The examples mentioned in the articles are exaggerated display of face: we often present ourselves in the most favorable light to construct a flattering representation. Humorous messages also help to maintain a light-hearted environment on the surface, which might increase the likelihood of a future conversation that could delve into deeper relationships. Humor acts a social buffer; it shows effort, appreciation of common culture, and social understanding.
From an anthropological standpoint, it is very interesting to think about MEMEs becoming our “cultural artifacts.” They truly are becoming as important to our culture as cave wall drawings were to our ancestors. They are topical and relevant to whatever is going on in our society at the moment. The moment something funny or awkward happens, whether it be with a celebrity or a politician or a weird faced animal, you can be sure there will be a MEME about it within the hour. Do you remember at the last Oscar show, when Angelina Jolie’s leg became an internet sensation before the end of the broadcast? I knew the MEME before I knew who had won! It seems that one of society’s first impulses is to turn funny events into a MEME. I wonder what people will think of Philsorapter in a few hundred years.
Thinking about memes as cultural artifacts brings up some interesting questions. For example, how long does the average meme survive? What do these memes say about our culture? In 50 years time, will anthropologists understand what these memes meant? Do we even understand them now?
Here is a timeline of internet memes – I wonder how many of these you remember. Which ones will speak to those in our future?
http://www.dipity.com/tatercakes/Internet_Memes/
I think memes live in our cultural memory for a very limited term. Just as fast as they come, they go. If they aren’t recirculated and regularly referenced, we might forget them. If the majority forgets, then the joke becomes lost because there is no frame of reference. The idea of memes, however, will live on. Memes are obviously a large part of our culture online and we will remember their existence and humorous social function.
I looked at the timeline and could only recall about five of them. I have never really followed memes or sought them out. It was only when they were so viral and flooding my social media that I was coerced to remember them. I’m not on reddit or humor sites often, so I only experience memes when they bleed into other platforms. Sometimes, they leech into real life, and that’s when they really stick. For now.
I agree that most of the time when I first start talking to people I will try to crack a joke in order to break the ice. I think that the best and easiest way to get to know people and form relationships as you said is definitely through humor.
Dr. Markman has brought up interesting questions. I was asking myself the same question of how long does a meme average. It seems like memes are often recycled to the point where they often die out on their own. For example the famous willy wonka meme was used over and over for months and finally I stopped seeing them. Also the fact the memes take minimal effort to create, and in addition to the live feeds of social media have led to memes being create more for that specific moment. An example is when the power went out during the Super Bowl and everyone made memes with pictures from the dark Knight rises.
I’d especially agree with the point you brought up about social understanding. Memes definitely serve the purpose of bringing people together, much like watching the same TV show. However, unlike TV shows, because memes are simply viewed in less than a few seconds, it is easier for people to be in the “know.” Thus, more people can identify and resonate with the message.
I agree that memes can alter our language and style. The more we see certain memes, the more we associate them with that style of presentation. This is true because the same picture gets used for different situations and takes on so many different meanings.
The memes in our culture are very “here and there” type of language because something new always arises on social media and then we suddenly cast out the old sayings and acronyms. The language and style in memes can definitely alter and shape us depending how far we are willing to go with it. I know in social media, memes are used more than just basic language.