On Counter-Memes: A Rhetorical Study of Allyship in Social Media Memetics From 2015-2024

Author

Kaitlyn SamonsFollow

Date of Award

8-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Rhetorics, Communication, and Information Design

Committee Chair/Advisor

Jan Holmevik

Committee Member

Patrick Warren

Committee Member

Darren Linvill

Committee Member

Gabriel Hankins

Abstract

This dissertation examines the importance of Online allyship through a newly coined term in Memetics and Mis- and Disinformation: “Counter-Memeship.” This work combines previous contributing works on “memes,” “counter-memes,” “counter-stories,” and “allyship” through the lens of feminist, white, and communication theories. Internet memes and studies are explored by looking at how Online participants in internet spaces interact with each other in modern-day protests in memetic ways. The researcher utilizes descriptive and exploratory methods to articulate better how internet memes work between 2015 and 2024. The primary purpose of this research is to see whether Online protests can be considered non-performative in the modern day.

This dissertation is separated into five major parts: 1) A historical narrative of memes and their purpose in memetics. 2) A literature review on memetics and mis- and disinformation studies. 3) Formats of white feminist studies being applied to memetics and mis- and disinformation studies. 4) Surveys on how individuals approach memes in the Online world. 5) Conclusions. These significant ideas allow for further contemplation on the role of allyship in memetics and mis- and disinformation studies.

This dissertation concludes by finding that Online spaces are both 1) faster and 2) safer than usual protests and offer a less ableist format by which to protest between 2015-2024. Online protest formats, such as memes, offer genuine critiques and may allow people to express their ideas and opinions to others who may or may not think like them. As such, it is not necessarily “performative” to protest in an Online space.

Recommended Citation

Samons, Kaitlyn, "On Counter-Memes: A Rhetorical Study of Allyship in Social Media Memetics From 2015-2024" (2024). All Dissertations. 3686.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/3686