The following meme is promoting sexism and homophobia. This meme could be very triggering for women and the LGBTQ community and is not beneficial in any way. 64% of LGBTQ+ respondents have been harassed online, at disproportionately higher rates of harassment than all other identity groups. In its most recent National School Climate Survey, the 2019 Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network (GLSEN) found that online victimization contributed to negative self-esteem and higher rates of depression. Youth who experienced bullying and harassment both in person as well as online or via text message reported lower grade-point averages, lower self-esteem, and higher levels of depression than youth who were bullied only in person, only online, or via text message, or not at all. In addition, Scientific research reveals that catcalling can have a detrimental effect on the mental and physical wellbeing of women. Women who report being objectified on a more frequent basis report greater body shame as well as symptoms of disordered eating and depression.
Contrastly, this alternative meme is encouraging support for all sexualities and is a confidence booster for those who see it. It depicts that not only is treating others respectfully beneficial, it is the least we can do. It will still get views for its humourous meme format, but it may not receive as much as the first harmful one because it is not one that is typically seen. However, I could see this meme being spread through Instagram stories by people who want to promote that belief.
I think this is a great example as to how meme’s can be an inefficient. means of communication. Reason being, when I read the first one, I took it as exposing the hypocrisy and irony of the situation and not advocating for it seriously.. That being said, your is great because it doesn’t have that openness for interpretation!
That’s a great point Matthew, I think you may be right about the irony. Miscommunication can often have many unintended consequences.