The Origin of Memes: From Humble Beginnings to Internet Stardom
The term “meme” was coined by the evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book The Selfish Gene. He described memes as units of cultural information that spread from person to person, similar to the way genes transmit biological information. Little did Dawkins know that his term would become a cornerstone of internet culture.
While the term was coined in 1976, memes have been around much longer, albeit without the name. The first recorded instance of what we now recognize as a meme appeared in the 1920s. In 1921, a comic strip published in the University of Iowa’s satirical magazine The Judge featured a two-panel cartoon that played on the “Expectations vs. Reality” theme. This comic is often credited as the world’s first meme.
The comic depicted the discrepancy between how one perceives oneself and how one actually appears to others. This format is strikingly familiar to the countless “Expectation vs. Reality” memes we see circulating on social media today. The discovery of this early meme highlights that the essence of meme culture — humor, relatability, and a touch of self-deprecation — has been part of human nature for over a century.
The advent of the internet in the late 20th century laid the groundwork for the rapid spread of digital memes. The 1990s saw the birth of the first internet memes, with notable examples like the “Dancing Baby” in 1996. This 3D-rendered, cha-cha dancing baby quickly went viral across email chains and early websites, becoming one of the earliest examples of a meme spreading online.
The early 2000s witnessed the rise of platforms like Something Awful, 4chan, and Reddit, which became breeding grounds for meme culture. Sites like these allowed users to share and create memes, fostering a community-driven approach to humor and viral content. Memes such as “All Your Base Are Belong to Us” from the poorly translated Japanese video game Zero Wing and “Badger Badger Badger,” a looping Flash animation, exemplified the quirky and often absurd humor that defined this era.
The mid-2000s to early 2010s are often considered the golden age of memes. This period saw the rise of iconic memes like “Rickrolling,” where unsuspecting users were tricked into clicking a link that led to Rick Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up,” and “Rage Comics,” simple, crudely drawn comics that captured everyday frustrations and joys. Memes like “Trollface,” “Forever Alone,” and “Y U NO” became staples of internet humor.
As meme culture matured, the content became more surreal, self-referential, and often intentionally nonsensical. “Dank memes,” a term used to describe memes that are deliberately obscure or absurd, began to dominate. These memes often involve layers of irony and meta-humor, reflecting a deeper engagement with meme culture itself. Memes like “Distracted Boyfriend,” which depicts a man turning away from his girlfriend to look at another woman, and “Change My Mind,” a man sitting at a table with a sign that invites people to challenge his opinion, illustrate the sophisticated and multi-faceted nature of modern memes.
Several key figures and platforms have played pivotal roles in shaping meme culture:
Richard Dawkins: As the originator of the term “meme,” Dawkins’ contribution cannot be overstated. His concept of cultural transmission through imitation laid the theoretical groundwork for understanding how memes spread.
Matt Furie: The creator of Pepe the Frog, a character from his comic series Boys Club, which became a widely recognized and sometimes controversial meme. Despite its appropriation by various groups, Pepe remains a significant figure in meme history.
Christopher Poole (moot): The founder of 4chan, a platform that has been a breeding ground for many of the internet’s most influential memes. 4chan’s anonymous and freewheeling culture has allowed for the rapid creation and dissemination of memes.
Ken M: An internet persona known for his hilariously absurd comments on news articles, embodying the spirit of trolling and absurdity in modern meme culture.
Memes have transcended their origins as simple jokes to become powerful tools for communication, political discourse, and social commentary. They encapsulate complex ideas and emotions in digestible formats, making them potent vehicles for spreading awareness and influencing opinions. During significant events like elections, social movements, and global crises, memes often capture the essence of public sentiment, providing both comedic relief and critical perspectives.
As internet culture continues to evolve, so too will the memes that define it. Emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence and augmented reality, are likely to influence the future of meme creation and dissemination. The rapid pace of technological advancement means that memes will continue to adapt, reflecting the changing ways in which people communicate and interact online.
Moreover, institutions like the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s archives are beginning to recognize the cultural significance of memes. By preserving these digital artifacts, they ensure that future generations can study and appreciate the humor, creativity, and social dynamics of our time.
From a 1921 comic strip to today’s viral sensations, memes have a rich history that reflects our changing world. They are a testament to human creativity and our innate desire to connect and communicate through shared humor and experiences. As long as there are people with internet connections and a sense of humor, memes will continue to evolve, making us laugh, think, and occasionally scratch our heads in bewilderment.
So next time you share a meme, remember that you’re part of a long tradition of humor and shared human experience. Now, go forth and spread the meme gospel!
