Meme Culture Reflection

I chose this particular topic on meme culture after I saw a meme ridiculing Kylie Jenner. I immediately took a screenshot and saved this photo. The meme emphasized that Kylie Jenner was the same skin color as her BLACK friend, and this shocked me. The new cultural appropriation existed, but seeing this photo reintroduced me to the phenomena. Black culture is appropriated on daily, yet Black people are still not accepted. These viral memes make it apparent that people recognize the appropriation. Still, these entertainers are still supported. Memes raise awareness, but how effective are they when used for political purpose.

The memes I found appeared to not phase these entertainers. Kylie Jenner and other white super stars still continue to appropriate Black culture. She has done it multiple times through hairstyles, makeup, and speech. Whenever any artist does it the internet acknowledges the act. Nevertheless, the harassment is not enough for these icons to refrain or even apologize for their actions. I believe these memes rather promote cultural appropriation. Even if they are meant to judge these stars, the circulation of photos of white entertainers physically looking black makes a statement to young children; it is okay to appropriate black culture. As social media becomes popular, more and younger white children are attempting to act black. This trend should not be promoted and has detrimental affects on the youth. Entertainers should take responsibility for how they are portrayed in the media.