Richard Dawkins Explains the Authentic Definition of Meme: A Fascinating Insight

Riley Sundew

Updated Friday, June 21, 2024 at 12:00 AM CDT

In a captivating discussion, Richard Dawkins delves into the authentic definition of the term meme, shedding light on its original context and usage. This term, first introduced in his seminal work "The Selfish Gene," has since evolved in popular culture. Dawkins describes a meme as a "unit of cultural inheritance," akin to a gene in cultural transmission. He emphasizes that memes can be anything self-replicating and communicable from one person to another.

One striking example Dawkins provides is the urban myth of alligators in the New York City subway. If such a story spreads widely, regardless of its truth, it qualifies as a successful meme. This concept is rooted in its ability to be shared and repeated, making it culturally significant.

Interestingly, user reactions to the video highlight diverse perspectives. Some users note that the meaning of meme hasn't drifted much from Dawkins' original definition, while others express surprise at learning about its authentic definition. One user humorously remarks on the pronunciation of meme, questioning if Dawkins realizes it's pronounced "maymay."

The video also touches on deeper cultural and philosophical reflections. One comment appreciates Dawkins and comedian George Carlin for providing the language to understand atheism. However, not all comments are positive, with some criticizing Dawkins for his views on gender, calling him transphobic.

Additionally, the video sparks references to popular culture, such as the video game "Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance," where memes are considered the "DNA of the soul." Another user draws a connection to the game "Rimworld," where memes guide colony development.

Overall, the video offers a thought-provoking exploration of the term meme, inviting viewers to reflect on its significance and evolution. Richard Dawkins' explanation provides a deeper understanding of cultural inheritance, making it clear why memes have become an integral part of modern communication.

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View source: Imgur

Top Comments from Imgur

flarflarf

honestly the meaning hasnt really drifted that much but yeah

Arcygenical

Homeboy coined the term and doesn't realize it's pronounced maymay?

d***black12

Dawkins is a transphobic a******. It's odd that he was one of the greatest communicators of the idea that nature makes endless variations and that nature has infinite shades and no crisp lines. Except human "men and women" for which there can only be two completely separte things with absolutely not possible crossover.

iusedtodream

Say whatever hate you need about Dawkins, but he and George Carlin gave me the words to understand atheism as it existed in me and I will always cherish them for that.

stevelite

That's exactly the same way it's used today. Or going viral.

gummyloaf

“People long forgot” I assure you people who have played metal gear rising: revengance have not forgot memes. They’re the dna of the soul

IhopeyougetstageIIIcoloncancer

A meme is a discrete packet of information that cannot be further subdivided without losing its coherence. A joke structure - including the mutually understood cultural context, setup, and execution - is a meme. You can reconfigure it different ways, but you cannot remove any of those elements from it without the remainder becoming meaningless. Modern "memes" are memes in that there is a specific sentiment being conveyed in an established delivery structure for a mutually understood purpose.

JunkMonk

MGS = Meme, Gene, Scene. MGS 2, 1, and 3 respectively

Muhfynmann2

Dudes voice sounds like a late 90s iMac text to speech.

MrsHowVeryDareYou

I feel like people just say “meme” because it sounds better than “a screenshot of a tweet with a reaction under it”. English is a living language; meanings change as large groups of people use words in different ways, even if they are incorrect. See: literally.