Analysis of a Meme

 

        This meme possesses powerful symbolism as it portrays the image of a Native American chief of a tribe. The caption reads "so you're against immigration? Splendid, when do you leave?". This is a satirical way of discussing the colonization of the native land by the European settlers. Moreover it is also a reference to President Trump's stance on immigration and his will to build a wall and limit immigration. This meme is written under a tone of irony and humor, nevertheless it hides a deep history of colonization and segregation. Henceforth it does satisfy some of bratich's ideology of contextual analysis of a meme. Bratich discusses the ideology that "there are contextual factors related to social power." He also asserts this ideology by stating that "This type of innovative action is prominent ‘‘on occasion of a historical or biographical crisis, interrupt[ing] the circular flux of life.’’". (Bratich, 2014) Therefore this meme fulfills the context that is presented which is a context related to social power. Furthermore this meme is built upon a historical crisis which is also asserted by Bratich. This meme represents history of the repression of the native American people which has been showcased once again because of the current ideologies of the president of the united states. This meme covers most of the aesthetic features and the contextual factors that are presented by bratich, but this meme didn't create a big buzz around it. This is due probably because this subject of the repression of native americans has been repeated and repeated throughout time and this has probably suppressed the wow factor that would essentially make the meme trending. Nevertheless this image creates a strong sense of situational irony as it discusses a situation which is relevant but is ironical at the same time due to the context. Nevertheless this meme provides important symbolism that allows the audience to uncover a hidden message. Finally this meme discusses two subjects, immigration and colonization which are essentially to very important subjects that are relevant at the same time. As Bratich discussed memes usually arise from a social turmoil or a general crisis therefore with this meme we are presented both.