Back in 2017, the “Me Too” movement took the world by storm, empowering women to speak out about their experiences with sexual harassment and assault. But as with any cultural phenomenon, it was only a matter of time before it was turned into a meme. Enter the “Me Too Thanks” meme, which took off on social media in the fall of 2018.
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What is the “Me Too Thanks” Meme?
The “Me Too Thanks” meme was a way for people to sarcastically acknowledge something that they didn’t actually want to thank someone for. It typically involved a photo or video of someone holding up a sign that said “Me Too Thanks” followed by a humorous or snarky comment.
For example, someone might post a photo of themselves holding up a sign that said “Me Too Thanks” followed by the caption “To my ex for showing me what love is NOT.” The meme was a way to make light of difficult situations and share a laugh with others who could relate.
The Popularity of the Meme
The “Me Too Thanks” meme quickly gained popularity on social media, with people from all walks of life sharing their own versions of the meme. It was especially popular among young people, who often used the meme to poke fun at their own struggles with mental health and relationships.
Many people found the meme to be a refreshing break from the seriousness of the “Me Too” movement, which could be emotionally draining for survivors of sexual violence. The “Me Too Thanks” meme offered a way to connect with others who had been through similar experiences in a lighthearted way.
The Criticism of the Meme
Despite its popularity, the “Me Too Thanks” meme was not without its critics. Some people felt that the meme was trivializing the very serious issue of sexual violence and harassment, and that it was insensitive to survivors.
Others argued that the meme was only funny to those who hadn’t actually experienced the things being joked about, and that it was a form of privilege to be able to make light of traumatic experiences.
The Demise of the Meme
As with any meme, the “Me Too Thanks” trend eventually died out. By the end of 2018, the meme had largely disappeared from social media and was mostly forgotten.
However, the controversy surrounding the meme continued to linger. Some people felt that it had done more harm than good by trivializing the experiences of survivors of sexual violence, while others felt that it had provided a much-needed outlet for humor and connection.
The Legacy of the Meme
Looking back on the “Me Too Thanks” meme in 2023, it’s clear that it was a product of its time. While it may have been well-intentioned, it ultimately fell short in its attempts to address the serious issue of sexual violence and harassment.
However, the meme also served as a reminder of the power of humor and community in difficult times. Even if it wasn’t perfect, the “Me Too Thanks” meme brought people together and provided a much-needed outlet for laughter and connection.
Response from a Sexual Assault Survivor
“As a survivor of sexual assault, I found the ‘Me Too Thanks’ meme to be incredibly insensitive and offensive. It felt like people were making light of something that had caused me a lot of pain and trauma. I understand that it was meant to be a way to find humor in difficult situations, but it just didn’t sit right with me.”
Response from a Mental Health Advocate
“I actually thought the ‘Me Too Thanks’ meme was pretty funny. As someone who struggles with depression and anxiety, it was nice to be able to laugh at some of the ridiculous things that go on in my head. I can see why some people might have been offended, but I think it was ultimately harmless.”
Response from a Social Justice Activist
“I think the ‘Me Too Thanks’ meme was a prime example of how privilege can lead to insensitivity. While I understand that it was meant to be a way to cope with difficult situations, it ultimately trivialized the experiences of survivors of sexual violence and harassment. We need to do better as a society.”
