What’s in a Meme?
Meme n. Any unit of cultural information, such as a practice or idea, that is transmitted verbally or by repeated action from one mind to another. Examples include thoughts, ideas, theories, practices, habits, songs, dances and moods and terms such as race, culture, and ethnicity. A self-propagating unit of cultural evolution having a resemblance to the gene (the unit of genetics).
The term meme often has mixed emotions that are quickly to follow. Coined in 1976 by the zoologist and evolutionary scientist Richard Dawkins, it refers to a unit of cultural information transferable from one mind to another. Examples of memes are tunes, catch-phrases, beliefs, clothes fashions, ways of making pots or of building arches. Why are so many quick to argue that a meme has a negative presence?
Most memes have a negative impact due to the lack of individualism. The moment a person invites a meme into one’s life, he/she is tossing aside all signs of individuality. It is often stated, “It’s what they’re doing?” So we have to ask ourselves “is something a good idea solely because it is popular?” In addition to this, we must also ask, “Who are ‘they’ “. Can anyone tell me who “they” are? It’s what they wear, they eat, they buy, they study, and basically just what they do. Who are they and why are they deciding what’s right for me? We can also ask, “what is normal”, but that’s been asked before. And never really answered because it can’t be. The very idea is constantly changing with fashions and ideals.
A better question would be, “Who are they and why are they creating this memery?”
Some fashions are held as societal norms. Is this an example of a possibly good meme? Or does this also stand in the way of our individuality. Just because big belts are sold, doesn’t mean you have to buy and wear them. They are so unflattering on everyone.
Some religious ideology are societal norms, but many are not. It was once “normal” to keep your wife seen as your property and dumbed down to what’s going on. Most religions still cherish this in their good books, whether the followers want to admit it or not. Societal norms are always shifting. So why do some cling tightly to some memes while readily casting others aside? I cannot answer that. Why are we still having big weddings with big rocks? Simply because “it’s tradition”. Slavery once was tradition.
Even when society considers a behavior to no longer be “normal”, memes can linger on further.
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Hello atheisthussy
Let me start by saying I love your blog. I am an avid reader. The meme is something that has fascinated me for some time now. With our over developed frontal lobes that search for meaning in everything it is easy to understand how memes cause people to mistake religion for purpose.
We are all searching for meaning even though it may not exist at all. If you get a chance please read one of my blogs that addresses christian arguements with the meme.
http://angelsdepart.blogspot.com/2007/01/ill-take-there-is-no-god-for-500-please.html
Pay close attention to Chris in the comment section. You will see that the meme is a concept that christians refuse to acknowledge. Not that you needed a lesson on this. If anything I will learn something from you. Thanks for your insight.