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Media - TV

Page history last edited by Lauren 14 years, 5 months ago


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 (http://depts.washington.edu/ccce/polcommcampaigns/CultureJamming.htm) 
  • Another good article on using political remix videos to 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

  

  • Tim Hwang - Organizer of ROFLCON, Research Assistant at the Berkman Center
  • Christopher Poole - Creator of 4chan
  • Sean McLeod - Creator of 'Weng Weng' viral video
  • Bill Wasik -  Author of And Then There's This: How Stories Live and Die in Viral Culture
  • A series of short interview with people who view memes, use meme blogs (what is your favourite? what has had the most impact on you? why?)
  • Other meme producers and stars
  • The "Yes Men" - http://www.theyesmen.org/

    (http://www.urlesque.com/2009/09/22/the-yes-men-changing-the-world-one-prank-at-a-time/)

 

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

 

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