feed me memes: a lesson
by Erin M. Warren
Objective: Introduce the concept of meme in relation to M.T. Anderson's feed by first defining it, second, conceptualizing it within the context of a text, and finally, synthesizing meaning with it by applying the concept of meme to real world situations.
What is a meme?
/ˈmiːm/[1]) is "an idea, behaviour or style that spreads from person to person within a culture."[2]A meme acts as a unit for carrying cultural ideas, symbols or practices, which can be transmitted from one mind to another through writing, speech, gestures, rituals or other imitable phenomena. Supporters of the concept regard memes as cultural analogues to genes in that they self-replicate, mutate and respond to selective pressures.[3]
The word 'meme' is a shortening (modeled on 'gene') of 'mimeme' (from Ancient Greek μίμημα Greek pronunciation: [míːmɛːma] mīmēma, "something imitated", from μιμεῖσθαι mimeisthai, "to imitate", from μῖμος mimos "mime")[4] and it was coined by the British evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in The Selfish Gene (1976)[1][5] as a concept for discussion of evolutionary principles in explaining the spread of ideas and cultural phenomena. Examples of memes given in the book included melodies, catch-phrases, fashion and the technology of building arches.[6]
(2011) Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meme
Conceptualizing and Synthesizing Meme
Using the textual example of M.T. Anderson's feed as a jumping off point, break into groups, read the text, and identify any possible examples of meme. Then, after identifying memes in the text, broaden the scope and widen your lenses to include our modern-day American world. What memes can you identify here (there are literally zillions...)? Have you ever been a part of, passed on, or utilized a meme? Which ones? Used any today? Heard any good new ones? Favs?
Let's Talk About Memes, Baby
Finally, to sum up, open up the floor for some class discussion. This is by far THE most important part of this exercise, so make sure to allow extra time and brain-space for some spicy repartee. The key is to open up your minds and memes, and let it flow...out.
"We went to the moon to have fun, but the moon turned out to completely suck. We went on a Friday, because there was shit-all to do at home. It was the beginning of spring break. Everything at home was boring. Link Arwaker was like, "I'm so null," and Marty was all, "I'm null too, unit," but I mean we were all pretty null, because for the last like hour we'd been playing with three uninsulated wires that were coming out of the wall." --feed (2004)
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