Essay 2 Analyzing Memes

Write down everything you know about memes. What are they? Where have you see them? What is the tone of most memes? What are some common elements of most memes?

What do we know about memes? They contain an image that we recognize They contain words Part of the text is often recognizable (formulaic) Meant to be funny, ironic, sarcastic, clever, witty, or smart

 An Internet meme is an activity, concept, catchphrase or piece of media which spreads, often as mimicry, from person to person via the Internet.  In internet culture, an image macro is a picture superimposed with text for humorous effect. They are an example of an internet meme. “Meme” comes from the Greek word “mimema” (meaning “something imitated,” American Heritage Dictionary). The word “meme” was first introduced by evolutionary biologist, Richard Dawkins, in Dawkins described memes as a way for people to transmit social memories and cultural ideas to each other.

What makes a meme memorable? It makes a statement about life; it is relatable The statement is pithy The last line may contradict earlier lines or put a new twist on them The image is funny or cute or recognizable The text matches the image or contradicts it in a surprising way It relates to similar memes in a new or surprising way

Before we can write our next essay, you need to make a meme that represents or promotes growth mindset. Very soon, you will brainstorm images, words, phrases, and sentences that you could use to illustrate growth mindset—but not yet.

Some Cautions Before We Begin Remember our class syllabus’s policy on respect: It is easy to lose sight of respect when attempting to be humorous, so tread carefully. Any racist, degrading, or mean-spirited memes will result in a zero on the assignment. Please avoid images with violence and sexual content as well. This is an academic setting, so please use your best judgement. Thank you.

STAMP: Elements of Rhetorical Analysis Rhetoric: The art and practice of communication Rhetorical analysis is the break down of how a message is communicated. Your essay will be a rhetorical analysis of your meme. You will answer the question: How is your message being communicated by your meme? STAMP is a helpful tool for rhetorical analysis. Style: Diction and arrangement (of words); how you say things. It may be formal, informal, lots of jargon or discipline-specific language vs. easy to read for the average person. Tone: How the author/creator feels about his subject and his reader (hopeful, disappointed, joyous, passionate…) Audience: Age, gender, knowledge, values, beliefs, fears... As a writer, know as much as you can about your audience to best appeal to them. As a reader, who do you think is the intended audience? Message: The argument or thesis; purpose of text Perspective: What you can tell about the author/creator: age, gender, education, values, political and social stance, biases, etc.; also the cultural and social context of the text (time and place it was created)

Rhetorically analyzing memes Choose one meme and identify the (1) style, (2) tone, (3) audience, (4) message, and (5) perspective. (6) Explain the relationship between the text and the image. (7) How does this meme illustrate or promote growth mindset?

Choose one meme and identify the (1) style, (2) tone, (3) audience, (4) message, and (5) perspective. (6) Explain the relationship between the text and the image. (7) How does the meme illustrate or promote growth mindset

Rhetorical elements of your memes: Style: formal or casual; errors are okay if done with intention (although this is an academic assignment to promote growth/learning, so errors are most likely inappropriate.) Tone: funny, witty, ironic, heartfelt, sympathetic, hopeful, inspirational… Audience: students at Fullerton College Message: something related to growth mindset that inspires, uplifts, or motivates your audience Perspective: contemporary; positive; college culture; valuing growth mindset; your age/gender/education is your own Now We Brainstorm What images might represent growth, failure, learning from failure, success, persistence, any of the 15 habits of mind in our syllabus…? What are some words, phrases, and sentences that illustrate growth mindset, or that motivate someone to partake in one of the habits of mind?  Consider the rhetorical elements of your meme

How to make a meme (contains mature content) (contains mature content) You can also search “meme generator” and find many more sites You may also create a meme by hand—draw it, cut out magazines, etc.

Group Presentations Share your ideas for your meme Give ideas or request ideas if you are struggling Go home and make your meme. Complete a rhetorical analysis. Bring a physical (on paper) version of it to our next class (+ analysis) Next Class: Share your meme with your group. Peer Review each others rhetorical analyses of your memes. Make improvements (revisions) to your rhetorical analysis. Use your laptop or tablet to make a PowerPoint Or go to the library with your group to make a PowerPoint