Background:
A meme is, by definition, an idea that, like a gene, can replicate and evolve. It is a unit of cultural information that represents a basic idea that can be transferred from one individual to another, and subjected to mutation, crossover and adaptation. According to Richard Dawkins, it is “a unit of cultural transmission, or a unit of imitation.” (For the record, it rhymes with "dream", not "gem".)
Online, memes travel between users faster than wildfire, and they're highly infectious. Whether it's because they are humorous (usually), novel, feature high profile celebrities, or are just plain weird enough to strike curiosity - memes are extremely powerful units of cultural meaning.
Viral online content makers are making their own entertainment, making their own 15 minutes of fame, and making their messages heard!
Key Links:
http://knowyourmeme.com/
http://www.4chan.org/
http://www.urlesque.com/
http://icanhascheezburger.com/
http://failblog.org/
http://gawker.com/388332/the-12-internet-memes-that-took-obama-to-the-nomination
Research to Date:
- Googled and surfed through many meme-aggregation websites
- Watched lots of online videos and looked at collaborative blog memes like FML
- listened to a CBC spark podcast on the topic (Nora Young)
- Looked at ROFLCon (roflcon.org - convention in April 2010) - watching the blog closely
- Using meme based communication for culture jamming -> great article (
- promote a critical culture. It is an increasingly popular and relevant form of remix that can at its best challenge dominant power systems, media and myths in our society, our culture and ourselves." http://www.rebelliouspixels.com/2008/building-a-critical-culture-with-political-remix-video
Other good articles/links/references relating to the subject:
http://www.cylegage.com/lulz/
http://www.hyperorg.com/blogger/2009/04/07/8058/
http://cultureandcommunication.org/f09/tdm/lmkehe/meme-culture-and-the-mainstream-media/
http://geekpadshow.com/2009/07/29/8-internet-memes-turned-into-art-masterpieces/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Internet_phenomena
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Viral_videos
http://kindofalark.com/?p=1538
Assumptions
- User created, virally distributed online media is now more powerful as an agent of cultural/social change than the mainstream media.
- Internet memes that are collaborative allow people to engage with the material and feel connected to an issue.
- Viral videos are an effective way for unknown people/groups to spread their message to a very large audience quickly
Possible Interview Subjects
The Focus, Scope and Angle of the Piece
Due to the sheer volume of people that view these videos and websites, and the speed at which they are able to spread, internet memes have the potential to transform attitudes and ignite social change in a way that big corporations could only dream about.
In fact, many companies have tried to create internet memes for advertising purposes. Nothing, however, is as effective as those videos and websites built from the ground up - by the people, for the people. LOLcats, Rickrolling, Chuck Norris, NumaNuma, StarWarsKid, Peanutbutterjellytime, Domo, Failblogs, Chocolate Rain, FML, the Snuggie - most recently, Kanye West. They take on many forms, but they all hold the same power.
They can get people to pay attention to greater social and political issues in an entertaining way, spreading the message of the masses and not those in power.
People also have a chance to collaborate. They are re-mixing memes, creating parodies, throwing in their own piece of the puzzle, creating new memes in the process - it's open source, interactive and engaging!
Media Choices
Video - Footage from conferences attended, example video of a meme or meme-mashup, interview with a famous meme character (if we're able to get one!)
Audio - Interview with one of the creators of a viral video or meme, some audio of a very recognizable meme to set the context maybe (peanut butter jelly time, "leave Britney alone") to set the context for an explanation of meme culture.
Next Steps
- Look at scholarly journal articles
- Find some specific cases of the internet meme being used to counter mainstream culture and make a political statement
- Continue to seek new interview sources and material
- Start to contact interview sources
- Begin filming and recording for podcast and video
- Read relevant chapters from books like:
- Find internet culture conferences that take place within our timeframe
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