Memes as Resistance 9/17- Milene Tapuy

1. Meme as resistance post:

    Memes have become powerful tools for resistance and advocacy, serving as quick, easy-to-understand, and relatable ways to speak out against those in power and demand change. In the article "What Memes Owe to Art History," Alice Bucknell explains that memes are part of a long history of rebellious art. She compares them to older art movements, such as Dadaism and Pop Art, which utilized humor and creativity to challenge conventional thinking and speak out against unjust systems. Although memes are brief and humorous, they can lead to more substantial conversations and genuine change. By pointing out problems in a simple and relatable way, memes help more people understand what’s going on and why it matters. They spread quickly online, reaching large audiences and making issues harder to ignore. These small critiques can inspire people to ask questions, talk about injustice, and even take action.

My own meme:

When the world is on fire, but you're told to ‘keep calm and carry on.

How governments tell people to stay calm during serious problems.

2. What is patriarchy? Below your meme post a definition of patriarchy and a definition of activism. Explain how systems of power act on our lives and rights. 

    Patriarchy is a system where men hold power and control, often limiting the rights and opportunities of women and other genders. Activism is when people take action to create social and political change, like protesting or speaking out. Systems of power, like patriarchy or racism, affect our rights by controlling who has access to opportunities, safety, and resources. They shape our daily lives by deciding whose voices are heard and whose are ignored. This is so unfair and needs to be challenged because it keeps people from living freely and equally. Everyone deserves the same rights and opportunities, no matter their gender, race, or background.

3. How can memes act as a form of resistance and advocacy? Post the 1 meme YOU MADE with a short description of your meme and 1-2 paragraphs explaining how memes can function as part of protest and resistance. You can use your quotes and responses to the articles in your answer.

      Memes can function as part of protest and resistance by providing a powerful way for people to speak out and protest. Memes can be taken seriously or complicate issues and turn them into funny or smart pictures and messages that are easy to understand and share. They spread quickly online, memes help people raise awareness, express anger or frustration, and connect with others who feel the same way. This can be especially useful when traditional media doesn't show their side of the story. Memes also make fun of people in power or an unfair system, using humor to make a strong point. They can expose hypocrisy, challenge dominant narratives, and reframe issues in ways that are both accessible and emotionally impactful. Also, memes helped bring people together, spread ideas, and keep the fight for change going when authorities tried to silence them. 

4. Quotes and short response from the Chapter 1 reading.

• Quote 1:  "We like that art can represent the world, that people are attracted to and can identify with these representations, and that art has the power to move us emotionally."

• Short response: Art is a good tool for activism because it helps people feel the issue, not just understand it. Emotional connection is what can drive people to care, to act. And to remember. Facts don't change minds, but stories and images can. That's where art and activism come together. 

• Quote 2: "..it is art about politics, not art that works politically."

Short response: Art focuses on political themes but doesn't actively work to change or influence politics. It is more about expressing ideas than creating real-world impact.