Atheist Meme Frames
My strategy for selecting memes is to simple Google Image search "Atheist memes" and see what catches my eye. For the most part, memes with simple messages and the use of familiar images is helpful when choosing which memes to post to the blog. So far, the memes I have selected have been seemingly written by members of the Atheist group and mock organized religion through use of satire and sarcasm. These memes help to address my specific research theme by providing insight into how Atheists view themselves and other religious backgrounds.
Members of this group seem to derive their meaning by putting down or casting doubt on organized religion. Their central understanding is forged through their common thought that there is no supreme being running our lives and anyone who believes otherwise is somehow less intelligent and unable to see the truth that only science can hold (there are really no myths that establish their key truths because they think that only science and fact can sway their world view).
These Atheist meme messages are communicated through a hypocritical frame. They place blame on those who believe in God and mock them for not doing enough to help those they claim to care for. This framing presents a negative view of religion and holds Atheists to be morally superior over other religious believers.
I think these messages are being emphasized because many Atheists may feel the only power they hold over other religions is their supposed moral high-ground and intellectual superiority due to the fact that they can't cite an omnipotent being to back up their claims. This group is generally defined by their utter lack of religious practices or rituals so most of the Atheist memes center around making fun of other religions' practices and rituals.
Atheism is presented as the only right way to view the world and those who do not hold the same viewpoint as Atheists are inherently wrong and unintelligent for having faith in something that cannot be proven by science.
Please clarify the focus of your case study. What trait or aspect of Atheism are you investigating through memes? Also make sure to discuss and analyze each new meme you add to your collection individually. This will provide you with a more accurate record of what evidence your have to back up your final argument.
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