Scholarly Analysis of Artifacts (Blog #2)

In order to develop a greater understanding of the rhetorical criticism process when looking at internet memes, I did some research on what other scholars have found within this particular field. It is critical that I, through research, gain insight on effective methodology to receive the maximum benefit of my analysis.

Subversive Memes: Internet Memes as a Form of Visual Rhetoric, by Heidi E. Huntington is the analysis I had decided to use to gain a better understanding of critical analysis on internet memes. Within the article, she discusses these memes being applied to the Constructionists Approaches to Representation, which includes the semiotic and discursive approaches. In addition, she applies memes as Visual Rhetoric.

Huntington’s work takes a comprehensive look at internet memes, discussing them beyond their physical presence in the internet community. She explains their possible cultural significance as a text, and what perceived meaning can come from them to different individuals. This includes the power these texts may have to a culture within a larger frame than the meme itself. In addition, it is discussed how memes could also be considered persuasive while being examined as visual rhetoric.

Viewing how more experienced scholars than I took the time to break down the text and perform critical analysis on them, it served as an important learning experience towards my own work approach in general. I have realized how essential it is to really break down the text into its most rudimentary functions. I believe prior to this research, I was viewing the subject matter in the wrong scope, focusing too strongly on what may be rather insignificant details.

Huntington’s research brought up important thoughts to keep in mind as viewing an internet meme as visual rhetoric. Most importantly, just because the creator of a meme may believe that it means one thing; it doesn’t have to mean that same thing to all of its viewers. I believe that is important to be cognizant of no matter the framework I decided to analyze my artifact with, as every individual may make their own connotation of the message.

Within this article, Huntington describes memes as a functioning part of a “participatory media culture.” While performing this analysis, I believe this will also serve as a useful bit of information to keep the correct scope. Individuals that are a part of this culture have the power to create one of these memes just as much as the next person. Plenty of these texts float around on the internet, and the meaning of them can be switched so easily on an individual basis, as no two creators may be the same. In that sense, it exemplifies the importance of viewing this from an overall perspective, not focusing too strongly on any one particular example as the basis of my examination.

Viewing firsthand how another scholar approaches the analysis of these artifacts proves beneficial, as I can see what is important to inspect in order to effectively contribute to the rhetorical community when discussing internet memes.             

Foul Bachelor Frog

Today, the internet as we know it holds many important functions for us, including business and entertainment purposes. As we browse our favorite social platforms on the internet, such as Facebook, Twitter, or Reddit, we can’t help but love and become a part of the recent trend of “memes.” These are images that are generated and shared about specific topics or cultures, usually taking on a humorous role. Memes can be seen as a form of modern rhetorical artifacts; therefore I will be taking a closer look at a specific meme and analyzing it, discussing its contribution to the world of rhetorical theory.

The meme I am deciding to analyze is the “Foul Bachelor Frog,” which is a part of the “Advice Animal” family of internet memes. These memes are centralized images of animals, with a specific color wheel behind them. Text is then inserted at both the top and bottom of the overall image to complete the creation of this artifact. The Foul Bachelor Frog specifically contains the image of a rather unamused frog face, with a green color wheel behind him. He emerged in the relatively early popularization of memes, and has since lost popularity.  

This particular meme encompasses the lifestyle of a typical young single male living on his own. Specifically, some of the foul tendencies this demographic seems to have, including many aspects of everyday lifestyle decisions. Some notable examples are dietary choices, personal hygiene decisions, and social situations. Thousands of these images exist online, and it’s obvious that they depict arguably true and unfavorable ways that young men treat themselves while living alone.

These memes certainly are viewed in drastically different ways, depending on who they are shown to. The crude subject matter they often contain is undoubtedly offensive to many different types of people. For example, elderly women, such as grandmothers would be disgusted at the thought of their grandsons performing some of these acts. They are obviously not intended for children to see them, as they contain almost entirely adult-based themes.

However, the group whom this meme is created for, young single men, certainly adored this frog during his tenure of popularity. It allowed them to share their own personal preferences in the field of frowned-upon lifestyle choices in complete anonymity through social platforms such as 4chan, and laugh and discuss them with others. It served as a medium through which men could share their dirty secrets in a light-hearted manner.

This meme held a shared symbolism amongst its creators that made it so popular. It served as a message to the other “Foul Bachelor Frogs” out there that they were not alone. There were other people out there doing the same gross acts as they were, and they shouldn't hide it. It became a centerpiece of comedic relief for a large amount of men out there in the world, exemplifying that embarrassment doesn’t have to be a product of their lifestyle. They could showcase their own personal feats, and join the rest of the bachelor community in celebration and pride of those acts.