At first glance, internet memes seem to be the humorous part of our digital culture. Indeed, they are! But they also reveal stereotypical thinking, which I will focus on in my analysis. This analysis will investigate thoroughly internet memes from a linguistic viewpoint.
Starting from Richard Dawkins' definition via Susan Blackmore's third replicator theory through to Limor Shifman's critical approach about the state of research concerning memes, Internet memes are also examined from a communication-oriented view. Successful Black Man, Successful White Man, Ordinary Muslim Man and High Expectation Asian Father serve as a basis for my analysis. A combination of Semiotic Analysis and Discourse Analysis is used in order to examine the selected examples.
Both methods were chosen because Internet memes involve written texts as well as signs or images which contain invisible meaning. All results taken together, this thesis will show that Internet memes are still interpreted stereotypically in our multicultural present-day society.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Theoretical framework
- 2.1 Definition of the term meme
- 3. Internet Memes
- 3.1 Genres
- 3.1.1 Photoshop memes
- 3.1.2 Photo Fads
- 3.1.3 Flash Mob
- 3.1.4 Lipsynch
- 3.1.5 Misheard Lyrics
- 3.1.6 Recut Trailers
- 3.1.7 LOL Cats
- 3.1.8 Rage Comics
- 3.1.9 Stock Character Macros
- 3.2 Key features
- 3.2.1 Fidelity
- 3.2.2 Fecundity
- 3.2.3 Longevity
- 3.2.4 Humor
- 4. Internet Memes and Humor
- 5. Internet Memes and Stereotypes
- 6. Procedure
- 7. Analysis
- 7.1 Successful Black Man
- 7.2 Successful White Man
- 7.3 Ordinary Muslim Man
- 7.4 High Expectations Asian Father
- 7.5 Mashups
- 8. Results and Discussion
- 9. Consideration for further research
Objectives and Key Themes
This thesis aims to analyze internet memes, particularly image memes, from a linguistic perspective, focusing on their humor and use of stereotypes. It explores the definition and evolution of the term "meme," examining various genres and key features. The analysis utilizes examples from the Know Your Meme database to illustrate the identified themes.
- The definition and evolution of the term "meme."
- Classification and key features of internet meme genres.
- The role of humor in the popularity and spread of internet memes.
- The use of stereotypes in internet memes.
- Linguistic analysis of selected internet memes.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This chapter introduces the prevalence of internet memes in adolescent life and their significance in online culture. It defines a meme as a rapidly spreading cultural phenomenon carrying cultural information, tracing the term's popularization to Richard Dawkins. The chapter establishes the thesis's focus on the linguistic analysis of image memes, emphasizing humor and stereotypes as key analytical lenses, and explains the methodology, which uses the Know Your Meme database for its comprehensive meme collection.
2. Theoretical framework: This chapter provides a literature review on the concept of memes, starting with Dawkins' original definition and progressing through Blackmore's "third replicator" theory and Shifman's communication-oriented perspective. It explores the etymology of the term "meme," tracing its roots and development from its initial biological context to its current usage in the digital world. The chapter lays the groundwork for the analysis by providing a theoretical framework for understanding memes within a broader context of cultural transmission and communication.
3. Internet Memes: This chapter delves into the various genres of internet memes, outlining a comprehensive taxonomy of different meme formats including Photoshop memes, photo fads, flash mobs, lipsynch videos, misheard lyrics, recut trailers, LOL Cats, rage comics, and stock character macros. It further explores the key features that contribute to the success and spread of these memes, focusing on fidelity (accuracy of replication), fecundity (potential for variation), longevity (endurance over time), and humor. The chapter provides a detailed framework for understanding the diverse landscape of internet meme culture.
4. Internet Memes and Humor: This chapter focuses on the crucial role that humor plays in internet meme propagation. It analyzes how humor, particularly irony, functions in subverting stereotypes and generating engagement. The chapter would likely draw connections between specific meme genres and their comedic styles, exploring the relationship between humor and memetic success.
5. Internet Memes and Stereotypes: This chapter examines the pervasive use of stereotypes within internet memes. It would likely explore how memes utilize and reinforce existing social stereotypes, analyzing the linguistic and visual strategies employed to create and communicate these stereotypes. The chapter may also investigate the potential consequences of this use of stereotypes, discussing whether memes perpetuate or challenge social norms.
6. Procedure: This chapter describes the methodology used in the analysis. It details the selection process of the memes analyzed, the criteria used for selection, and the specific analytical techniques applied. The chapter might also discuss limitations or potential biases inherent in the research approach.
7. Analysis: This chapter presents the results of the analysis of specific memes (Successful Black Man, Successful White Man, Ordinary Muslim Man, High Expectations Asian Father, and Mashups). It details the linguistic features and the use of stereotypes in each example, and potentially discusses any recurring patterns or themes observed across the analyzed memes.
Keywords
Internet memes, memetics, digital culture, image memes, humor, irony, stereotypes, linguistic analysis, communication, cultural transmission, meme genres, Know Your Meme.
FAQ: Comprehensive Language Preview of Internet Memes
What is the main focus of this thesis?
This thesis analyzes internet memes, specifically image memes, from a linguistic perspective. It focuses on the memes' humor and their use of stereotypes, exploring their definition, evolution, and various genres.
What are the key themes explored in the thesis?
The key themes include the definition and evolution of the term "meme," classification and key features of internet meme genres, the role of humor in meme popularity, the use of stereotypes in internet memes, and a linguistic analysis of selected memes.
What theoretical framework is used?
The thesis draws upon existing literature on memetics, starting with Dawkins' original definition and extending to Blackmore's "third replicator" theory and Shifman's communication-oriented perspective. It explores the term's etymology and development from its biological context to its digital usage.
What types of internet memes are discussed?
The thesis examines a wide range of internet meme genres, including Photoshop memes, photo fads, flash mobs, lipsynch videos, misheard lyrics, recut trailers, LOL Cats, rage comics, and stock character macros. Key features like fidelity, fecundity, longevity, and humor are analyzed in relation to these genres.
How is humor analyzed in relation to internet memes?
The thesis analyzes the crucial role of humor, particularly irony, in the propagation of internet memes. It explores how humor subverts stereotypes and generates engagement, connecting specific meme genres to their comedic styles and examining the relationship between humor and memetic success.
How are stereotypes addressed in the thesis?
The thesis examines the pervasive use of stereotypes within internet memes, exploring how they are utilized and reinforced. It analyzes the linguistic and visual strategies employed to create and communicate these stereotypes and investigates the potential consequences, considering whether memes perpetuate or challenge social norms.
What methodology is employed in the analysis?
The analysis utilizes examples from the Know Your Meme database. The thesis details the selection process of the memes analyzed, the criteria for selection, and the specific analytical techniques applied. Potential limitations or biases in the research approach are also discussed.
Which specific memes are analyzed?
The analysis focuses on specific memes, including "Successful Black Man," "Successful White Man," "Ordinary Muslim Man," "High Expectations Asian Father," and "Mashups." The linguistic features and use of stereotypes in each example are detailed, along with any recurring patterns or themes.
What is the overall goal of the research?
The overall goal is to provide a comprehensive linguistic analysis of internet memes, shedding light on their structure, function, and cultural impact, particularly focusing on their humor and use of stereotypes.
What are the key words associated with this thesis?
Key words include: Internet memes, memetics, digital culture, image memes, humor, irony, stereotypes, linguistic analysis, communication, cultural transmission, meme genres, Know Your Meme.
- Arbeit zitieren
- I. Magel (Autor:in), 2016, Stereotypes in Internet Memes. A Linguistic Analysis, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/354386