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Questions and Answers
What is a meme, according to Richard Dawkins?
What is a meme, according to Richard Dawkins?
- An element of culture that spreads through imitation (correct)
- An online image with text slapped on it
- A biological element that spreads through imitation
- A photo, video, or GIF that is humorous
What distinguishes an internet meme from other types of memes?
What distinguishes an internet meme from other types of memes?
- It is a digital file
- It is a combination of image and text
- It is humorous, satirical, or ironic
- It is spread via the internet (correct)
What are the three factors that make memes go viral, according to Richard Dawkins?
What are the three factors that make memes go viral, according to Richard Dawkins?
- Performance, skill, and creativity
- Humor, satire, and irony
- Image, text, and action
- Copy-fidelity, fecundity, and longevity (correct)
What is an example of a performative meme?
What is an example of a performative meme?
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Why do memes that capture the popular zeitgeist tend to be the most successful?
Why do memes that capture the popular zeitgeist tend to be the most successful?
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Study Notes
What is a Meme?
- A meme is a unit of cultural transmission, comparable to genes in biology, as described by Richard Dawkins.
- Memes are ideas, behaviors, or styles that are transmitted from person to person within a culture.
Internet Memes vs. Other Types of Memes
- Internet memes are a subset of memes that are transmitted through the internet.
- They are distinguished from other types of memes by their ability to spread rapidly and reach a large audience through online platforms.
Viral Memes
- According to Richard Dawkins, three factors contribute to a meme's virality:
- High fidelity: The meme is easily copied and transmitted without distortion.
- Longevity: The meme remains in the cultural environment for a long time.
- Fecundity: The meme is able to spread quickly and reach a large audience.
Performative Memes
- A performative meme is a type of meme that is acted out or performed, rather than simply being a static image or piece of text.
- An example of a performative meme is the "Harlem Shake" dance challenge, which involved individuals creating and sharing their own videos performing the dance.
Successful Memes
- Memes that capture the popular zeitgeist tend to be the most successful because they tap into the prevailing cultural atmosphere and resonate with a large audience.
- These memes are often able to spread quickly and gain widespread popularity because they are relevant and relatable to a large number of people.
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