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If you were active on the internet in the early 2010s, you may have come across a green cartoon frog named Pepe. What started as an innocent character in a comic strip quickly became a symbol of internet culture, with various iterations of the character appearing in memes all over social media platforms like 4chan and Reddit. However, what was once a symbol of humor and fun quickly devolved into something darker, with Pepe being co-opted by alt-right and white supremacist groups. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of Pepe the Frog, the impact it had on internet culture, and how it ultimately fell out of favor.

The Origins of Pepe the Frog

Pepe the Frog was created by artist Matt Furie in 2005 as part of a comic strip called “Boy’s Club.” The character was initially just one of several friends who hung out together, but it quickly became a favorite among readers. Pepe’s popularity grew even more when he started appearing in memes on 4chan, a popular messageboard known for its edgy content. The memes often depicted Pepe in various situations, with captions ranging from silly to absurd.

The Rise of Pepe the Frog Memes

As Pepe memes continued to spread online, the character took on a life of its own. People began creating different variations of the character, with different expressions and outfits. Pepe became a symbol of internet culture, with people using the character to convey a variety of emotions and ideas. The memes were often humorous, poking fun at current events or popular culture.

Pepe Goes Mainstream

Pepe’s popularity continued to grow, and it wasn’t long before the character began appearing in mainstream media. In 2015, Pepe was featured in an episode of “The Eric Andre Show,” a popular Adult Swim program. The following year, Pepe appeared in a music video for the rapper Lil Yachty. Pepe even made an appearance in the 2016 presidential election, with supporters of both Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders using the character in their campaigns.

The Dark Side of Pepe the Frog

Unfortunately, the popularity of Pepe memes also led to the character being co-opted by alt-right and white supremacist groups. These groups began using Pepe as a symbol of hate, often creating memes that were racist or anti-Semitic. The Anti-Defamation League declared Pepe a hate symbol in 2016, and many people began distancing themselves from the character.

The Fallout from Pepe Becoming a Hate Symbol

As Pepe became more closely associated with hate groups, many people who had previously enjoyed the character began to distance themselves from it. The creator of Pepe, Matt Furie, even launched a campaign to “Save Pepe,” urging people to use the character in positive ways. However, the damage had already been done, and Pepe’s image as a hate symbol persisted.

The Legacy of Pepe the Frog

Today, Pepe is largely seen as a relic of internet culture from a bygone era. While the character still has some fans, most people remember it as a symbol that was co-opted by hate groups. However, the rise and fall of Pepe is an interesting case study in how internet culture can evolve and change over time. It’s a reminder that even something as innocuous as a cartoon frog can become a potent symbol with real-world implications.

Responses and Comments from People Who Know It

“I remember when Pepe was just a silly meme we used to share on social media. It’s sad to see how it was co-opted by hate groups and turned into something so ugly.” – Jenna, 28 “I think the rise and fall of Pepe is a cautionary tale about the power of symbols. It’s a reminder that we need to be careful about what we put out into the world and how it can be interpreted.” – Tom, 35 “I never really understood the appeal of Pepe, but I can see how it became such a big part of internet culture. It’s just a shame that it was hijacked by hate groups.” – Sarah, 23 “I think it’s interesting how quickly something like Pepe can go from being a harmless meme to a hate symbol. It’s a reminder that we need to be vigilant against hate and bigotry, even in seemingly innocuous places like the internet.” – Mark, 41 In conclusion, Pepe the Frog Dank Memes had a significant impact on internet culture in the early 2010s. However, the character’s association with hate groups ultimately led to its downfall. While some people may still use Pepe in a positive way, it’s largely seen as a relic of a bygone era. The rise and fall of Pepe is a reminder that symbols have power, and we need to be careful about how we use them.