Blog Post #4 Avery Misa
When examining the historical impact of Martin Luther's 95 Theses and the contemporary phenomenon of the "OH LAWD HE COMIN" meme, it becomes evident that both instances showcase the power of technology in facilitating the spread of ideas and content.
In Luther's time, the printing press served as the social media of the 16th century, enabling the rapid dissemination of his challenging propositions against the Catholic Church's practices. The printing press revolutionized communication by allowing printed words to reach a broader audience, transcending geographical boundaries and igniting debates that eventually led to significant societal and religious changes. Luther's theses, propelled by this technological advancement, catalyzed discussions on morality and religious authority, fundamentally altering the fabric of society.
Fast forward to the present day, and we witness a similar phenomenon with the "OH LAWD HE COMIN" meme. This internet sensation, featuring a humorous depiction of an overweight cat, quickly went viral across digital platforms, harnessing the power of modern social media. Platforms like Twitter and Reddit acted as the contemporary equivalents of the printing press, facilitating the rapid dissemination of the meme to a global audience. Despite its lighthearted nature, the meme resonated with internet users, tapping into common sentiments of amusement and joy, thus fueling its widespread circulation and engagement.
What's fascinating is the underlying similarity in the mechanisms of virality between these two examples, despite their stark differences in content and context. Whether it's a profound theological challenge or a light-hearted internet joke, both instances demonstrate how relatable content, coupled with the amplifying capabilities of technology, can quickly capture the collective attention and participation of audiences. In essence, the spirit of virality transcends time and medium, driven by the innate human desire to connect and share impactful or amusing content with others..
Having just finished reading Samantha's post, Avery, I couldn't help but draw parallels between her examination of Martin Luther's 95 Theses and your analysis of the "OH LAWD HE COMIN" meme. Both instances clearly demonstrate the profound impact of technology on the dissemination of ideas and content throughout history. Samantha beautifully highlighted how the printing press served as the social media platform of its time, sparking discussions and societal change through Luther's challenging propositions. Similarly, your exploration of the viral meme phenomenon demonstrates how modern social media platforms act as digital equivalents, rapidly spreading content to a global audience. What struck me most is the underlying similarity in the mechanisms of virality between these two examples. Despite their diverse content and contexts, both Luther's theses and the "OH LAWD HE COMIN" meme tapped into relatable content that resonates with the audiences to foster widespread engagement. It shows how technology's lasting influence spreads important ideas, bringing people together across distances and generations in meaningful ways.
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