The internet has a unique way of expressing humor through memes, and one of the most iconic laugh-inducing viral sensations in recent years is the "Long Face Laughing" meme.
A study by Pew Research Center reports that 87% of Americans aged 18-29 use memes in their online interactions, testament to the immense impact and understanding of these cultural artifacts.
The Birth of the Long Face Laughing Meme
Born out of the unlikely source of a 2009 HBO miniseries, John Adams, this meme inherits its iconic face expression from a dramatic scene featuring the character of Thomas Jefferson (played by Stephen Dillane), laughing in the face of adversity.
Initially shared on Reddit in 2013, with the title "Thomas Jefferson: My face when...", the meme hit its stride when paired with captions that expressed universal, absurd, or humorous sentiments, perfect for GIF commenting and social media sharing.
Understanding the Memetic Structure
The meme's appeal lies in its simple format: a high-quality GIF of Jefferson laughing, accompanied by a text overlay, usually two lines of text with an "upper" and "lower" punchline.
Psychologically, it resonates by providing a cathartic release, helpful in managing stress and connecting communities with shared experiences via humor - an empathy-enabling function of memes (Belk, 2013).
Evolution and Adaptations
Memedom.com tracked its evolution, noting its use during political events, popular culture references, and even social causes, demonstrating its adaptability - a key trait of successful memes. Spin-offs like 'Angry Thomas Jefferson' and crossover parodies, like 'One Does Not Simply Walk into Mordor', have further expanded its reach.
Platforms from Twitter to TikTok have embraced the 'long face laughing' meme, with creators infusing the format with challenges, dances, and music, keeping it relevant and widespread.
Impact on Pop Culture and Mainstream Media
Entertainment shows like The Daily Show and Saturday Night Live have referenced the meme, and merchandise - from T-shirts to phone cases - can be found online, cementing its place in modern folklore.
The 2017 Baby Driver film featured a dream sequence using the meme, further entwining it with popular culture. Even political campaigns have employed it, demonstrating its broad appeal (e.g., Hillary Clinton's 2016 'Delete your account' tweet).
As it continues to weave through our digital existence, opportunistically latching on to trending topics and events, there's no sign of the 'long face laughing' meme fading into obscurity. It's here to stay, ready to punctuate our collective conversations with laughter, a testament to the enduring power of memes in our shared digital culture.