Team DailyPedia
Social Media’s memes are becoming our source of ‘good vibes’ and laughter.
Let’s admit it, when we’re quite disgruntled, in a bad mood, or sad, a good laugh can make us feel a bit better. And when we come across a really funny meme, it can lighten a heavy feeling.
But have we thought about who are the people that memes use to create such humorous text and images? Did these people give meme creators their approval to use their photos? Are they even aware of the so-called “cyber-bullying” that they might face once their stolen photos hit the internet?
The girl behind the viral Memes.
One of the famous meme image in the Philippines was recently interviewed by one of GMA 7’s top news anchor Jessica Soho and featured her in the show Kapuso Mo Jessica Soho (KMJS). Her name is Marielle Villegas, a 19-yr old student from Pasig City. As Ms. Nene (Marielle Anne Villegas was tagged as Ms. Nene in Social Media) her trending meme photo was actually taken sometime in 2010 by her classmate during a practice for a theater play. It was uploaded in Facebook just for fun — and memory, as she puts it. She had no idea that it will go viral.
As the photo was used to make funny and sometimes offensive memes, Marielle did not let the bullying affect her. And as if it couldn’t get any worse, a write-up in social media about her death was even published. But despite her resentment to the issue, she bravely looked at the positive side of the controversy.
[blockquote author=”-Marielle Villegas”]Na-realize ko sa sarili ko na napapatawa ko sila.. Na ako yung source of happiness nila kahit pano..[/blockquote]
Perhaps we are wondering how she gracefully takes this experience. Well, the lady is not your ordinary Meme model. Marielle is a consistent honor student in Elementary; was their class’ Salutatorian in High School; and a college scholar taking up BS Secondary Education, Major in English. And to add cherry on top, she will be a mom soon. These are more important things to know and remember about her than just the meme images that social media has created. She has likely inspired other people, too.
Memes should be created with valuation and respect.
Memes can be funny. Can even brighten our gloomy day and can give us a good laugh. Some can even inspire us. But we just have to start being more sensitive when creating them; especially when it’s bound to offend and hurt other people.
