Include:

Class Info
Grade Level
Other Information
Custom Fields
Public Notes
Reflection
Date(s)
Multiple Days
Structure
Purpose
Minutes
Common Core Standards

Meme(s) and Society

Grade Level:
11
Subject:
Biology
Topic:
The origin and evolution of memes
Objective:
To give students the ability to analyze the causes and effects of memes in ways that genes are similarly analyzed in the context of biological evolution, and to apply these process of analysis to the evolution of memes in their immediate environment.
Prep:
Given that different memes, like different genes or traits will cause different behaviours (prey response vs fight or flight response), it is not hard to predict that, for example, the memes of jihad and martyrdom, inform the behaviours of terrorist organizations like ISIS (Islamic State in Iraq and Syria), who say things like this: "We hate you, first and foremost, because you are disbelievers... It is for this reason that we were commanded to openly declare our hatred for you and our enmity towards you. “There has already been for you an excellent example in Abraham and those with him, when they said to their people, ‘Indeed, we are disassociated from you and from whatever you worship other than Allah. We have rejected you, and there has arisen, between us and you, enmity and hatred forever until you believe in Allah alone’” (Al-Mumtahanah 4). ... although some might argue that your foreign policies are the extent of what drives our hatred, this particular reason for hating you is secondary, hence the reason we addressed it at the end of the above list. The fact is, even if you were to stop bombing us, imprisoning us, torturing us, vilifying us, and usurping our lands, we would continue to hate you because our primary reason for hating you will not cease to exist until you embrace Islam." http://clarionproject.org/wp-content/uploads/islamic-state-magazine-dabiq-fifteen-breaking-the-cross.pdf)

On the other hand, in response to being tortured by agents of the Chinese government for 33 years, Tibetan Buddhist monks like Palden Gyatso, who practice meditation and inculcate unwavering compassion as a part of their spiritual practice say things like, "I had immense hatred against them because I was being hurt. But, as a religious person, after the event I could reflect on what had happened, and I could see that those who inflicted torture did so out of their own ignorance. As a religious person I have to sit back and ask myself, what is all this? Buddhist teachings say, don’t let your calm be disturbed and do not respond to anger with anger."

It can be argued that the harsh environment and battle for resources in the deserts of the Middle East environmental which "naturally selected" for violent memes of martyrdom and Jihad. It could also be argued that it was the relative peace and isolation of the Tibetan Mountains that selected for the practice of meditation and cultivation of extreme compassion.

(Continued in "Materials")
Materials:
Take a moment to think of one "meme" that exists in our immediate environment. For example, one could choose to analyze the memes of consumerism. An example of a consumerist meme could be "money can buy you happiness". Arguably, this meme exists in the materialistic environment of affluent societies with economies that support a large middle class, and their disposable income. However, in "The Culture of Narcissism", Christopher Lasch argues that "advertising serves not so much to advertise products as to promote consumption as a way of life. It "educates" the masses into an unappeasable appetite not only for goods but for new experiences and personal fulfillment."

Could the meme of consumerism have adverse effects if it continues to operate in as described? How? Why? Have there already been consequences? If so, what are they?

In the context of the meme that you have selected, do some research, and answer these questions in your own words. Finally, propose an alternative meme of that you think could counteract that potential adverse consequences of the previous one. Justify your proposal on the basis of its potential reduction of the adverse consequences of the previous meme.

For example, one could propose an alternative consumerist meme like "consume sustainably" or "consume within your means". The former alternative meme could encourage consumers to consume in ways that sustain a harmonious relationship with their surrounding environment (e.g., recycling). The latter meme could encourage consumers to consume responsibly, and in ways that reduce their chances of incurring crippling debts.

Submit your assignment along with the Meme Analysis and Proposal outline for evaluation and assessment.