Some Editors Ponder...

Memes

Challenge 233 asks some pointed questions about Andy West’s “Meme,” in issues 230-233. Two of our editors might agree that the concept of the meme is a snare and a delusion. However, a third editor limericks that memes may be exactly that — for the gullible and unwary!

[Bill Bowler] I find meme theory interesting but ultimately I don’t really buy it. It seems, in the end, like an elaborately developed metaphor rather than a new idea.

[Carmen Ruggero] I have to admit, I’m also puzzled by this piece. In the end it seemed inconclusive.

“The Paradox of Our Times” is called a virus because the piece, written in a spiritual/philosophical tone, poisons the minds of those who, perhaps in good faith, will listen to anything that makes them believe that things can be different. Meme is an extended metaphor.

So Alan, in the story, realizes first that he fell into the same trap as millions who read that e-mail. Then he feels renewed by a theory given to him by a computer program. And then he resumes life as usual. I think that was Andy West’s point.

Memes, in my interpretation, are people. We are the virus — with all our superstitions and our supernatural beliefs that life can be any different. Life goes on being the same.

[Gary Inbinder]

There once was a man who used memes,
To achieve his political dreams.
He’d smile and say, “Howdy do.”
Then from his mouth memes he would spew.
And the victims would vote for his schemes.

The discussion brings up another Challenge question: Memmet does change Alan’s life, in “Meme.” In what ways?

Don Webb