Much has been said about the proliferation of memes and their impact on democracy. Majority of its critics emphasizes the negative, usually problematizing how the phenomenon is “ruining democracy” and making us all dumber.
While some assertions prove a point, I refuse to see the impact of Internet memes on human civilization as “black-and-white.” These sweeping conclusions only emulate one of the negative criticisms they have about memes, which is their oversimplication of politics.
In this article, I would like to argue that the engaging features and accessibility of Internet memes have a positive impact on the inclusivity of the traditionally complex political discourse. While they may seem to oversimplify arguments, they also provide an opportunity to correct misconceptions and stimulate a more in-depth discussion on matters set forth by these Internet graffiti.
What’s a meme
By definition, meme is “an idea, behavior, or style that spreads from person to person within a culture.” The term was coined by English ethologist, evolutionary biologist and author Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book ‘The Selfish Gene’. Some scholars say that it was derived from the Greek ‘mimema’–‘something which is imitated’–which Dawkins shortened to rhyme with ‘gene’.
In Dawson’s book, he metaphorized an idea – a meme – as a ‘virus’, saying "when you infect my mind with a meme, you parasitize my mind." Ideas transmit in the same way with people.
Another common definition of meme is “the transfer of ideas and behaviors from person to another.” This means that memes reflect ideas that contain core values intershared by a group of people. This is why some memes may resonate deeply with one group and not with another.
In short, a meme may be an idea, a status, a tweet, catchphrase, a video or a photo that goes viral; that is, people find a value of comicality and cultural relevancy in the meme and share it through social media like Facebook and Twitter.
Memes are good for democracy
Despite the negative raps on memes, I maintain that they are good for democracy, even when some of them I find personally offensive or disagreeable.
Memes are a pure form of candid expression and an effective fount of political criticism. Never mind if they seem inane or mundane. They are successful because they are easy to generate, consume and propagate. It is for this reason that they provide a convenient ingress to the intricate realm that is our socio-political life, making it more inclusive, accessible, and democratic.
While they may seem an oversimplication of discourse, which is arguably correct, collectively, they present morsels of information and opinions that enrich discourse on a certain subject or matter. Internet memes are quite easy to engage and their inaccuracies can be challenged, since everyone is usually allowed to comment on them or generate counter-memes.
Come to think of it, they’re no different from editorial cartoons except their artistic value. They could function the same way. They present caricatures, satire and hyperbole in order to question beliefs, authority or preconceived notions. They draw attention to social issues like corruption, political violence, economic inequality and injustice. Both offer social commentary, only editorial cartoons are commonly handicapped by the limitations of the print media.
The caveat
Yes, memes could mislead since they can grossly oversimply practically everything. But this doesn’t apply solely to Internet memes; misinformation can spread through news as well, regardless whether they’re from the mainstream, emerging media or blogs.
Therefore, it is up to us Internet users to take all information we consume with a pinch of salt. Truth is hoaxes, inaccurate information and hysteria continue to surface in the worldwide web. You might think that the availability of vast information would change that, but it hasn’t. It is a good practice to question everything you read, especially on the Internet. If there is an issue or a topic that rouses your attention, dig a little deeper. Keep an open mind and review counter-arguments.
People might dismiss you as cynical, but skepticism remains an important virtue in this age of (mis)information. Take your time gathering information and educating yourself first. Coming up with a conclusion is not a race anyway.
Step up your meme game!
I guess it’s clear to see: those critical of the use of Internet memes as a political tool are usually the same people who are losing the engaging and popular "meme war". The things that they seek – “safe spaces” in public places and a “meme-sanitized” cyber world, among others – are regressive and maladaptive.
A piece of unsolicited advice: the Internet is an amazing avenue for fruitful political discourse, even in aid of frivolous memes and offensive critiques. Make the most out of the medium in ways you see fit.
And instead of kvetching all the time about what you find offensive and "politically incorrect”, why not listen (not hear) to people for a change? The world is not centered on your feelings anyway.