I tend to see a meme as a online version of a bumper sticker or TV sound bite. It's a shorthand way of expressing an opinion. Some are witty, some are silly, some concisely represent a well thought out opinion -- and most, probably the vast majority, are regurgitation. I have the depressing suspicion that in many cases, the person posting the meme *thinks* that they've done some serious reading and thinking...
If you think the level of discourse is unsophisticated, I heartily invite you to check out the news discussions on Yahoo! News and MSNBC. There you'll find a neverending source of fringe views (e.g. Obama birthers), pure unbridled emotional response devoid of critical thinking (e.g. "FRY THE BASTARD!!!!"), and well written, coherent sounding yet intellectually bankrupt ideas (e.g., suggestions to use a nuclear bomb to "fix" the oil spill
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I've been getting more and more frustrated with Facebook and the nonsense spewing on my news feed. I think I have added too many former students, extended family and colleagues out of politeness. They are watering down with trivia and inane soundbites what used to be an entertaining and frequently thought-provoking feed. When are we going to see the next Facebook replacement? The place where we invite our REAL friends and family and have good discussions and a laugh or two? At least until that new network grows too big for its britches and we have to do it all over again.
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But ultimately, I guess it's in the eye of the beholder.
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Anyone is welcome, of course, to be a Fan of my little carnage industry.
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When are we going to see the next Facebook replacement? The place where we invite our REAL friends and family and have good discussions and a laugh or two? At least until that new network grows too big for its britches and we have to do it all over again.
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