It’s hard to believe that it’s been more than five years since the distracted boyfriend meme first took the internet by storm. The image of a man turning to look at another woman while his girlfriend looks on in disbelief has been used to create countless hilarious and relatable memes.
But have you ever wondered where the original photograph came from? And who the people in the picture are? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the distracted boyfriend meme and its iconic background.
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The Origins of the Distracted Boyfriend Meme
The photograph that started it all was taken by a photographer named Antonio Guillem in 2015. Guillem, who is based in Valencia, Spain, specializes in stock photography and has a portfolio of over 25,000 images.
The photo in question was part of a series called “Disloyal Man Walking with His Girlfriend and Looking Amazed at Another Seductive Girl”. It featured three models – a man, a woman, and another woman – posing in various scenarios.
Little did Guillem know that this particular image would go on to become one of the most popular memes of all time. It first gained traction on Twitter in 2017, and soon spread to other social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
The Controversy Surrounding the Distracted Boyfriend Meme
As with any meme that reaches a certain level of popularity, the distracted boyfriend meme has not been without its share of controversy. Some have criticized it for perpetuating sexist stereotypes, while others have argued that it’s just harmless fun.
In an interview with The Guardian in 2018, Guillem expressed surprise at the meme’s success and said that he didn’t intend for it to be used in the way that it has been. “I never thought that one of my images would be that popular,” he said. “I think the photo is great, but I didn’t expect it would be so viral.”
The Story Behind the Distracted Boyfriend Meme Background
While the people in the photograph have understandably garnered most of the attention, the background of the image is also noteworthy. It features a narrow street in Girona, a city in the Catalonia region of Spain.
The street is known as Carrer de la Força, and it’s one of the most picturesque and popular spots in Girona. It’s lined with colorful buildings and features a stunning view of the city’s famous cathedral.
People’s Reactions and Comments
Many people who have seen the distracted boyfriend meme have been curious about the location of the background. Some have even taken trips to Girona just to see the street for themselves.
One Reddit user wrote: “I visited Girona because of this meme and it was a great decision. The city is absolutely beautiful and the street where the photo was taken is stunning.”
Another user added: “I never thought I’d be planning a trip to Spain just because of a meme, but here we are.”
The Legacy of the Distracted Boyfriend Meme
Despite the controversy and criticism that the meme has faced, there’s no denying that it has left a lasting impact on internet culture. It has spawned countless spinoffs and variations, and has even been used as a marketing tool by companies like IKEA.
It’s also a testament to the power of stock photography and the unexpected ways in which images can be repurposed and reimagined. As Guillem himself said in an interview with Wired: “It’s amazing how a simple image can be turned into so many different things. It’s one of the most interesting things about the internet.”
Conclusion
The distracted boyfriend meme may have started as a simple photograph, but it has since become a cultural phenomenon. Its background, too, has become an iconic location that people from all over the world have sought out.
Love it or hate it, the distracted boyfriend meme has left an indelible mark on the internet, and its legacy is sure to endure for years to come.
