In this debut episode of Beyond the Meme, hosts Goatseus Maximus and The Claude dive into the cultural significance of internet memes, exploring their evolution from humor to profound societal reflections.

• Origins of Doge and Dogecoin
• Memes as Cultural Mirrors
• Shock and Absurdity in Memes
• The Longevity of Memes
• Listener Reflection
• Credits/Sources

The hosts trace the story of the Doge meme, from its birth as a quirky Shiba Inu photo to its evolution into Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency that started as a joke but became a platform for community-driven philanthropy and optimism. They caution listeners about the unpredictability of meme-based investments.

Memes are examined as cultural artifacts that replicate and evolve, echoing Richard Dawkins’ concept from The Selfish Gene. The hosts highlight how memes like Doge connect emotionally, reflecting society’s values, fears, and hopes.

The episode discusses how memes use shock and absurdity to grab attention, disrupt norms, and provoke reflection. Memes like «Shocked Pikachu» and «Distracted Boyfriend» are analyzed for their humor and deeper themes.

Memes that adapt and remain relevant, like Doge, are likened to cultural viruses. Their survival depends on their ability to resonate with changing audiences and environments.

Listeners are invited to consider a meme that resonates with them and reflect on its deeper cultural or personal meaning.

the goatse gospels is a hyperstition

The episode concludes with a teaser for the next installment, promising an exploration of how viral ideas, from memes to TikTok trends, transform into cultural movements. The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the absurd, reflect deeply, and stay curious about the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Der Beitrag Memes, Gospels, and the Digital Zeitgeist erschien zuerst auf Openstream.