Introduction
The rise of social media and the internet has given rise to a plethora of memes. Memes are typically represented as images, videos, or texts that are shared rapidly among people. Richard Dawkins coined the term meme and describes the internet phenomenon that replicates itself quickly (Fomin 332). The “Distracted Boyfriend” meme is a clear example that illustrates Rappaport’s different theories of comedy.
Meme Description
The meme has become one of the most popular on the internet, and for a good reason. The meme depicts a man walking alongside his girlfriend while turning his head to look at another woman walking in the opposite direction.
The woman in the image has been given the label of “opportunity,” while the girlfriend is labeled “current job,” and the man is labeled “me.” The text in the meme reads, “When you try to flirt with your side hustle, but your 9-5 keeps calling you back.” The meme’s humor lies in its witty depiction of a common challenge many face trying to juggle their career goals alongside their current job. (Fomin 337). Most people currently working do not enjoy their jobs and would prefer to pursue their passions, which can be difficult due to the financial needs that the job provides. This meme perfectly encapsulates the struggle of balancing a career aspiration with a current job, and its humor arises from the recognition of this relatable situation.
Rappaport’s Theories of Humor
The meme’s point illustrates how people can get distracted by new opportunities that seem more appealing than their current situation, even if their current situation is their primary source of income. It is a humorous depiction of how one might feel tempted to pursue something else, but their responsibilities and commitments hold them back (Fomin 330). This meme is understandable to a general audience because it reflects a common experience that many people encounter daily.
The humor in this meme is multi-layered, and it can be analyzed through the lens of Rappaport’s various comedy theories, including the superiority theory, the incongruity theory, and the relief theory. The superiority theory suggests that people find humor when they feel superior to others (Fomin 335). In this meme, the man’s distracted behavior is depicted as humorous because it highlights his lack of attention to his girlfriend. The viewer is positioned to feel superior to the man in the image because they recognize the absurdity of his behavior. The man is foolishly pursuing an opportunity that is less valuable than his current situation, and the viewer can laugh at his expense, which goes a long way to proving this theory.
According to the incongruity theory of humor, the source of humor can be traced back to a discrepancy between what is expected and what actually occurs. In the meme case, the humor arises from the unexpected comparison of a romantic interest with a job. The text implies that the man is attempting to flirt with his side hustle, but his current job keeps interrupting him. This unexpected connection between a romantic interest and a job makes the meme amusing (Fomin 333). Rather than focusing solely on his girlfriend, the man is distracted by something seemingly less important. The viewer anticipates one outcome but is surprised by another, resulting in amusement.
The relief theory of humor proposes that humor acts to release tension or stress. In the context of a meme, the humor arises from recognizing a situation that people can relate to, which may cause stress, and the humor alleviates that stress (Fomin 334). This meme is a humorous take on the struggle many individuals face in balancing their career aspirations with their current jobs. By acknowledging the temptation to pursue something more exciting while recognizing the practicality of staying committed to one’s current job, the meme offers a humorous way to cope with this common stressor. Unsurprisingly, many people find this type of humor appealing, as it offers a lighthearted and relatable perspective on what might otherwise be a challenging situation.
Audience of the Meme
This meme is intended for individuals juggling their professional aspirations with their current employment. It will likely resonate with those who have encountered this dilemma or are acquainted with someone who has, adding a relatable and amusing element to it. Nevertheless, not everyone may find it accessible, as it requires a rudimentary understanding of a “side hustle” or multiple jobs.
The meme presupposes familiarity with modern work culture and the gig economy, which may limit its appeal to older or less tech-savvy viewers (Fomin 328). In essence, the meme’s target audience comprises individuals familiar with the complexities of managing multiple jobs, particularly the younger generation that has grown up in the digital era and has greater exposure to the gig economy concept. Nonetheless, its reach may be limited since it assumes some prior knowledge of contemporary work patterns, which not everyone may possess.
One interesting aspect of this meme is its potential political implications. The meme’s text implies that the man is pursuing a less valuable opportunity than his current situation, which could be interpreted as a criticism of pursuing wealth or success at any cost. The meme could be seen as promoting the idea of being content with one’s current situation, rather than always striving for more. This could be seen as a liberal or left-leaning message, prioritizing contentment and stability over ambition and risk-taking (Fomin 330). However, it could also be seen as a conservative or right-leaning message, as it promotes the value of hard work and loyalty to one’s employer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the distracted boyfriend meme illustrates Rappaport’s various theories of comedy. The meme’s humor stems from its clever portrayal of a relatable struggle faced by many people: balancing their career aspirations with their current jobs. The meme reflects the superiority theory, the incongruity theory, and the relief theory. The image and text offer a humorous take on a relatable situation, making it easy for the viewer to understand and appreciate.
This meme is likely aimed at people managing their career goals while working in their current positions. While the meme is understandable to a general audience, it requires a basic understanding of a “side hustle” or having multiple jobs. Therefore, this meme is an excellent example of how humor can be used to highlight a relatable situation and provide a temporary relief from stress.
Work Cited
Fomin, Ivan. “Memes, Genes, and Signs: Semiotics in the Conceptual Interface of Evolutionary Biology and Memetics.” Semiotica 2019.230 (2019): 327-340. Web.