QCQ for _Internet Memes__________________________________________

Quotation (with page number or parag number or time stamp if video/audio)

“While memes had long been a part of online political discourse, this election brought the recognition that memes had a major role in shaping – if not outright dictating – the media narrative surrounding each candidate.” Pg. 8

Comment (250-500 words)

I can still recall the battle of propaganda and political cartoons between Obama and Romney. The two candidates stood for such different qualities. Romney promoted a large military, and tax raises to support it. While Obama wanted to make healthcare available to others and tax the upper class to make it happen. Ever since then, the way of memes and media have gone hand in hand. Big media groups like CNN, and Fox News have shown their political views quite clearly in response of the other group. Since then, the media has managed to manipulate and lie to their viewers about the opposing candidate and even their own. Lies have been spread about the 2016 and 2020 elections, and are still believed to this day. This has created cult-like followings from both democrats and republicans and our government plays the part to keep their seat in office. The problems we vote upon are always split between red and blue with a few outliers sticking their necks out to vote on the other side. 2020 I believe sparked the revolution of memes in politics because of the stupid things both candidates said. Whether this was Donald trump talking about his hands, or Joe Biden rambling on about chocolate chip cookies. These stupid instances have created great memes for citizens to create, including our own class. It’s disappointing that the memes control our media, and the fact that memes have not been restricted to large media groups we rely on for truth. 

Question

How much impact will social media have on our political climate in the future?

Post-Class Reflection Space (5 minutes at end of Theory Tuesdays – use back/other page if needed)