If the JPEGs are blurry, try:
Destructive Social Media Meme:
This meme was one of a set of destructive memes known as ‘Trad Wife’ memes. The woman on the right, “traditional wife”, is supposed to represent a ‘pure’, conservative, highly white woman. “Trad Wives’ are supposed to follow a certain set of expectations, especially because they’re women; ex: holding traditional feminine roles and appearances, following their husbands, and being white. The meme above originated on 4chan’s politics board. The meme was only one in a set of extremely racist and white supremacist memes to follow. The meme is filled with racist, misogynist, and anti-semitic comments that perpetuate a propaganda that blames ‘jewish media’, people of color, and women for their own insecurities and problems. The woman on the left, is picked apart about her appearance, judged in comparison to the socially accepted conservation blonde. These memes, although seemingly lighthearted and cartoonish, are EXTREMELY damaging to society. The message they activate not only pins these women against each other, but utilizes their differences to make sure either way, no matter who you are, that you as a woman, as a marginalized group, are in the wrong. In a way I feel a wounded effect by this post, somewhat for myself but mostly for the worry of other women in my life. However, I am, for lack of a better word, ‘lucky’, in terms of this meme; because I can come off as the woman on the right, and blend in appearance wise. This is ironic, though, and sort of my whole point of why this is an invalid post, because if you get to know me, far-right leaning people would likely see me more as the woman on the left.
Alternative Social Media Meme:
In my reconstruction of the ‘Trad Wife’ memes, I tried to convey a more positive and supportive relationship between the two women, rather than pinning them against each other. I had the two women have a short conversation, that ended with them understanding each other, and acknowledging that despite their differences, they’re still worthy and able to connect on an intellectual level. I added positive affirming words at the top of the meme to counteract the damaging language and speech that the previous one included. I really wanted to focus on the bond between the two women, and aim to rid them of their implied stereotypes and poor treatment. In bringing the two women together, I hoped to diminish the sexist, racist, and overall discriminatory tone of the ‘Trad Wife’ memes that originated on 4chan.
Honestly, I don’t think my reconstructed meme would gain as much traction as the original. Wether it be due to the simple shock factor, or that the internet tends to not enjoy when women and people of different identities aren’t pinned against each other, I am not 100% how to get a more positive message such as my reconstructed meme to overreach a damaging propaganda meme.
My first thought would be fact and speech checking, so that on social media, fascist groups like 4chan couldn’t create these cartoonish memes that can be accessed by anyone at any relatively young age. I would hope that there are more barriers set in place by social media that allow for flagging of posts more quickly, fact checking, as well as just sorting through spam and dark political memes. I also believe by giving women and people of color stronger platforms, in politics, social media, and otherwise, would open up more opportunity to spot extremist, misogynist and racist posts and behavior, more often than you would think they would be. I think that by being in this class I am learning a great deal of important information about what we find online and how to maneuver through social media. however; I don’t think there is nearly enough education for the average student on how to spot these posts and fake news.
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