Memes Rarely Communicate (Or Posting Responsibly)

 

            As a teacher of English at both the High School and College level, I often lectured my students concerning the meaning of words and the need to choose their words carefully. Words have very specific meanings and when communicating we must invest the time required to identify, select, and use the word that carries the exact meaning we desire. Clearly communicating a position or concept takes time and effort; both things most of us find in short supply. This is why we often resort to using Memes. These pictures coupled with a few short, often sarcastic, phrases attempt to communicate large ideas or policies with one hasty viewing. Many memes are simply humorous and highly successful in generating a chuckle, occasionally even a belly laugh. Often these humorous memes take advantage incongruencies or congruencies of the English language. I do not fault those memes. What I find distressing are those memes which abuse the language, especially in word choice.

            Often those who compose memes sling about words such as “Marxist,” “Fascist,” “Communist,” “terrorist,” “radical,” “reactionary,” and others. These words do not truly communicate. Rather, they inflame. Sometimes I do not think we want to communicate or convince. We just enjoy stirring things up. I often see such things shared under the line, “Watch how ______ owns the libs/conservatives.” We let our political inclinations and intellectual laziness guide our word choice. And in our current cultural and political milieu this tends to separate instead of illuminating or bringing together. We often employ words that we would find nearly impossible to define with any accuracy, especially political words. We use them to shore up our own bona fides within our circle or to provoke those who we disagree with.

            Such practices are intellectually dishonest and do not serve the nation well. Currently, we desperately need to find common ground. Instead of using social media platforms to communicate ideas and build consensus, we’re deepening the chasm which separates the various constituencies that make up our political landscape. At a time when we need to come together, we’re pulling apart. This is due in large part to the reckless way we use social media, embracing the relative anonymity of the internet world.

            Most of us do not create the meme, we just “share” it. In our minds this puts some distance between us and the offended. When taken to task for our intellectual dishonesty, we blame the offended. “Well, you just have thin skin.” We ridicule others for being “easily triggered.” As if that somehow absolves us from our coarse, rude, or dishonest behavior. Often memes, especially the political ones, traffic in lies and fabrications. The creator makes the casual assumption that the reader either is ignorant of the facts or is unwilling to make the effort to verify. When we share these kinds of memes we share in the lie and the resultant cultural chaos. Simply passing it off as a joke, after all they shouldn’t be so easily offended, does not absolve us of our guilt. We are responsible for how we use available media.

            Scripture reminds us that “to whom much is given, much is expected,” Luke 12:48. The modern internet is a tremendous resource. With it I can communicate near instantaneously with people around the globe. I can conduct legitimate research into any subject my mind can conceive. With my smart-phone I can access and share data any time and almost any place. Sadly, this astounding capability also enable me to spread lies and disinformation just as easily. For those of us who are Christians, are we truly comfortable with how we use this tool? Do we glorify the Lord and further the spread of His kingdom through our postings and sharings? For those of us who do not claim the name of Christ, how will our children, grandchildren, and other future generations judge our behaviors? Are we improving things or are we contributing to the chaotic erosion of things that are good and meaningful in our culture? Perhaps if we thought a bit more about the veracity and potential impact of our postings we might hesitate before hitting post, send, or like. Are we moving our society, culture, nation, and neighborhood in a good direction? Have we carefully considered our word choice? Do we even think, or are we simply enjoying the momentary rush of being sarcastic? These are questions we ought to consider as we navigate this brave new digital landscape.