One debater, Katie Notopoulus, believes that Pepe is "forever tied to the worst elements of the internet, and there's no hope in getting him back." She said it's sad to see Pepe descend as a hateful symbol but we can't do anything about it.
This whole controversy became popular because people have altered Pepe by drawing him into a Nazi or a Trump supporter. There's this group named the Alt-Right, who are internet users that share racist and threatening messages, that used Pepe. It's stated that Pepe is their unofficial mascot.
I believe memes are not generally hateful symbols because they are used for entertainment. However, people are able to use them in the wrong way but it doesn't make the meme into a hateful symbol. Pepe is not a hateful symbol, it just depends the context people put him in. Notopoulus is wrong when she says there's no hope in getting Pepe back because there's nothing to get him back from. There is a possibility that a meme can have a hateful origin though. For example, pride month was a meme because people disliked it. All of June, pride month memes were very popular.
In general, I believe memes are not hateful symbols. They are used for entertainment purposes and people know most of them are a joke. Although, I understand memes can be hateful and sometimes it is true, but in Pepe's case, it isn't. It was wrong of the Anti-Defamation League to classify Pepe as a hateful symbol. What do you guys think? I'm curious to see your comments.
-Lyle Cuevas
I have never thought of memes as a hate symbol simply because I knew they are used to make jokes. It is true though, sometimes memes are taken to another level and people may create controversial content. It may be of a more sensitive topic or something not usually joked about so it may be considered disrespectful when not taken seriously. But, I believe that the basis of this is that we know it is simply a joke therefore many of us don’t think of it as disrespectful or a crime. If someone were to make a hateful statement on the internet then it is more clear to me to consider it a hate crime. If the same opinion and topic were to be disguised as a meme I don't think I would be able to see it as a hate crime because the purpose of memes is to make jokes. For me, memes are entertainment and I do not take them too seriously or literally. I guess it just depends on the individual to determine whether they find it offensive or a joke.
ReplyDeleteYeah that's a valid point. People have different levels of tolerance. Nowadays, so many people are too sensitive to memes and it's part of the reason why they are so controversial. People should realize that most memes are meant for entertainment, not hate. Some are an exception though. Honestly, I dislike how sensitive and soft people are nowadays and they should comprehend that memes are used for comedic purposes and enjoyment. However, people are different and I cannot change that. Thank you for taking the time to comment! I'm glad you know that memes are for amusement.
DeleteFirst of all I find it funny to think of the Pepe as a "hate crime", or any meme in that matter. Memes come in all shapes and sizes, with different jokes and different topics that are being poked at. But I don't think memes (or just a certain meme) should be labeled as a hate crime. Memes can be altered into anything good or bad. But so can anything really.
ReplyDeleteWhat I am trying to say is that when people change memes for the worse, they believe they are just exercising their "constitutional right" by showing what they believe is right. But I do see how it is wrong. There are some accounts that I have come across that are directly attacking people of color and women. Or even promoting violence or death to certain groups of people. This where social media accounts need to draw the line, and take precautionary actions, like deleting accounts. But going back to the topic, I believe anything someone can spread news or their opinion on something it can be made into a hate crime.
Yeah I understand that. Some people do use memes to support their opinions even though it is wrong. It can ruin the memes reputation to the general public and can be labeled as a hate crime. However, it's not right to label a meme a hateful symbol because of that. I'm glad you believe the same thing. I also agree that people take it to an extent that's too far. You're right that these accounts should be deleted. However, I'm sure more similar accounts will keep popping up somewhere. It's very difficult to stop this because the internet gives an individual a significant amount of power. I don't know a solution that can permanently stop this. Hopefully we will find one. Thanks for the feedback!
DeleteThe whole purpose of a meme is to be edited and spun in different ways while using the same punchline or set up. It's stupid to label them as hate symbols, as you could try and match up an actual hate symbol with any other joke.
ReplyDeleteIf me and a bunch of other people drew Hitler mustaches and swastikas on another popular cartoon character, such as Mickey Mouse, does Mickey Mouse instantly become a hate symbol? No. No one is allowed to claim symbols that is already popular and used by people from all walks of life.
There's so many things you can implement memes with but people don't know that. I agree with the Mickey Mouse logic. Just cause a few people would alter Mickey Mouse with a Hitler theme, he would not be classified as a hate symbol. People need to understand that. Just because people change the meme to something dark and insulting, it doesn't change the whole meme into a hate symbol. Only some memes are an exception if the meme actually has a negative origin or the main purpose of it is to be hateful toward something. However, generally memes are only meant for entertainment and I don't know why people are so sensitive that they make something so insignificant to controversial. Everyone is different though, but it doesn't make it a good thing. Thanks for your commentary and opinion. It's great that you also agree with me.
DeleteHi Liam and Lyle. Thanks for starting this interesting conversation. I wanted to jump in and add on this.
DeleteI think you are right, in this situation, Mickey Mouse does not instantly become a hate symbol, but it doesn’t matter how a meme is portrayed and shown to the public, if the intent of the meme is hateful to anyone on the basis of race, or religion, sexuality, etc it is a hate symbol regardless. Mickey Mouse isn’t hateful because of his character but if you put Hitler mustaches on him or add swastikas, the image itself does become a hateful symbol and its use can be a hate crime. Just because you put Mickey Mouse on an offensive meme, doesn’t mean the meme is acceptable just because it’s shown on a friendly, childhood character.
Yes of course, changing Mickey Mouse's image with Hitler mustaches or swastikas is not justified because the original image is a well-known, friendly character. Memes can get a little offensive and I, personally, can find comedic value in them but most people can't because they are too sensitive which I do not agree with. However, as I've said, not everyone is the same. I do see how memes can go too far and actually have the intention to be hateful toward someone. Hopefully those will stop. Generally, memes are for entertainment and people like the Anti-Defamation League need to realize that because it wasn't right making an innocent frog meme into a hateful symbol. I'm glad to hear feedback and opinion Ariadna!
DeletePepe LePew?
ReplyDeleteOh, that dumb frog! I forgot about him.
ReplyDeleteMemes as hate symbols? That seems a bit absurd. Memes are known to be offensive in a comical way, that's why people love them so much. It shows the perspective and the thoughts that go on in our heads without having to speak out loud about it. Memes are to interpret in your own way, whether is offensive or funny. I mean memes weren't always memes, people kept altering and making it worse! I could rarely see myself getting extremely upset about an innocent and funny joke.
ReplyDeleteGood choice Lyle!
I agree too. People are able to change and interpret memes in the way they perceive it. That's what makes memes so entertaining because everyone can alter a meme and make it amusing in their own way. It's awesome that you don't get irritated or upset from an innocent joke. I personally enjoy the offensive ones too because my tolerance is pretty high. Hopefully others will comprehend that most memes are just comedy. Thank you for taking the time to comment Emma!
DeleteThe Pepe the frog meme was intentionally created for harmless and comical uses, but many people have twisted the meme around and given it many controversial characteristics.
ReplyDeleteThough, I don't think that memes such as Pepe should be considered a hate crime. Users share memes to express their comical thoughts and give others a good laugh. Creators of said memes have good and harmless intentions such as receiving appreciation from their audiences. Yes, some of these memes may have offensive content, but I don't think that they should be interpreted as hate crimes.
Thanks for sharing this Lyle!
It's sad to see that people like the Anti-Defamation League classify Pepe as a hateful symbol because they only made their judgement based upon the negative alteration of it like the Hitler and Trump supporter Pepe. You're right when you say the creators of memes like Pepe have harmless intentions and they only want to make a comical impact on their audiences. However, you have to know that some memes can originate from hateful purposes because some individuals have horrible personalities. Generally, no , memes are only meant for comedy and people are too soft in this generation and don't seem to understand that its meaning is very insignificant. Thank you for responding to my blog Sonny!
DeleteHey Sonny!
DeleteI 100% agree with you. Memes such as Pepe the frog were simply made for the entertainment of anyone who comes across them. Because of this, memes have become one of the main comedy sources on social media such as Instagram, Twitter, and ect.
What we do need to realize is like you said some memes do have offensive content but it all comes down to how the viewer chooses to perceive it. If the viewer is sensitive or is easily offended they may react to a meme completely different than me or u might react to it. At the end of the day it is the viewers choice if they choose to let a harmless meme offend them or if they choose to simply keep scrolling through their timeline unbothered.
Memes are generally for entertainment purposes, but they can be used in ways to spread hateful messages. While this is not what a memes main purpose is, as it is to be comedic, that's does not mean people will use it to slowly make you believe an idea. They can be used to spread negative and demeaning messages. So looking out for these and being aware of it is always a good idea. While they can be used for comedic or manipulative purposes, their main goal is to be used in a joke. So this would make me believe that memes are not hate symbols.
ReplyDeleteWhile I do to have similar views to other commentators on how memes are by default meant to be entertainment and used in a joking way. However, I also think it's possible for them to be hijacked by groups and as a result change how they're viewed no matter it's original use. It's purpose is no longer associated with it being used as a medium to convey a funny joke but also as a symbol from groups such as the alt-right. For those who wonder how an image is able to be hijacked, these groups disguise their agenda behind memes and then say it's just a joke in order to avoid being criticized. The reason this can't be done as easily with popular icons such as the previously mentioned Mickey Mouse is because that is icon who's purpose has been fully fleshed out by the company that owns it, unlike a meme where the creator is unknown most of the time or doesn't interfere with how their image is used.
ReplyDelete