Memes.The Modern Day Communication.

Memes. The modern-day ideal form of communication. Whether we are looking for a good light-hearted laugh or need to mask our actual emotions with twisted humor, there is a meme out there for your exact mood. Being the science and medical nerd that I am, I know my phone is packed full of some emergency medicine and all things science related memes. Need a good laugh about organic chemistry? I’m your girl. 

Huntington’s article, titled Subversive Memes, talks about meme’s role in today’s culture and writing. They are a form of visual rhetoric that is widespread among many ages and different types of people. Although seemingly lighthearted fun, memes often carry political and symbolic messages behind them. With a combined element of both semiotic and discursive approaches, memes can be examined as a form of visual rhetoric. Huntington describes memes as being something more than visual humor and I believe that this is very true in today’s culture. 

I chose this meme in particular because I thought it highlighted my feelings for the week pretty well. I write this to you all, with three hours of sleep on board, post organic chemistry midterm, and about to head into my twelve hour night shift in the ER. It’s the glorious life of a pre-med student I guess.  

I saw this meme and thought- wow this was made for me. The meme is intended for a pre-med or medical student that is likely feeling overwhelmed. Science students are often overworked and overwhelmed. Memes are a way to laugh through the pain, but also can share an important message. The surface level intent for the meme is the humor. However, like Huntington had stated, memes can have a deeper and more philosopchial intention behind their humorous facade.  In this case, the meme highlights the idea of mental health of students in pre-health or health majors. Of course, we often use humor to hide real feelings, which is why memes are likely so widespread among people. We can communicate real feelings in a light hearted and visually attractive way. Like Huntington said, memes can be more than simple visual humor. This meme has a definite targeted audience, as all pieces of writing do. 

From movie buffs to science nerds to medical students, memes are a form of visual rhetoric that can reach a widespread audience. They are also often very efficient in transparency. They express their meaning in an easy to look at, easy to understand way. 

Memes have become a staple for most conversations online and there is often one out there for just about any situation. Now, I am off to work for the next twelve hours and I will leave you all with a personal favorite of mine that I use too often.