"Memes"
They're an important aspect of internet culture.
Whether it be video mix-ups on YouTube
a picture on iFunny
or a song on SoundCloud-
Memes are everywhere.
That's why PBS is bringing you a 420 part series on
How memes affect daily life
how memes are born
And how to meme responsibly.
This is "Meme Hard or Meme Home", only on PBS
[Intro Music Plays]
Westport, Connecticut.
A charming suburban town located on the coast of Long Island Sound.
Most people in this town are not active memers,
but the younger generation here is one of the memeing hotspots of the state.
About 30% of the total population here is under 18.
With a median family income of $193,000
and ranked as the 5th top earning town in the US
the teens have plenty of money, time and resources to spend on memeing.
With such a vibrant memeing culture, sometimes people meme to hard.
Such was the case of the Staples Meme Club
A Facebook Page created by a student of Staples High School.
It all started on September 28, 2016.
The meme page had just been born.
A few hours later, the group leader said
Guys, invite anyone you know to this group.
From there, membership boomed
Reaching a peak of 400 students and one meme posted every 30 minutes.
[Distorted News 12 Intro]
To generate fear, or to degenerate hope, or to generate anger...
A parent spoke out today against a controversial Facebook page that's been shut down.
after school officials say some Staples High School Students
shared offensive posts.
Hi everybody, welcome to News 12 Connecticut.
I'm Tom Applebebebebebebee.
And I'm Rebecca-
Have you tried [Surran] wrap?
It really is amazing!
And I'm Rebecca Surran.
Officials now say that page has been shut down.
A letter was sent out yesterday informing parents about the page.
Some students say the content was mostly political satire
but the principle said there were offensive things about
race, religion, among other things.
Officials say nobody was targeted
but parents say the post could have had
Negative Consequences
This is a letter the Staples High School Principal sent out yesterday about
a private Facebook page
where school officials say students posted offensive things.
The page has been shut down
but the talk about it continues.
The director of Westport Family Counseling believes he knows why some students participated.
They're feeling quite disempowered
and that's why they're being so aggressive.
I think that's where there's some misunderstanding.
A number of Staples students say they are being unfairly vilified, and add there was no bullying on the page
was not bullying on the page, something that the school officials did acknowledge.
I'll let the school newspaper leave us with the closing words.
Rather, a quote that they clearly want us to read.
No no no
I'm sorry, that's too cringy, even for PBS.
You know what?
Just meme responsibly, show's over.
THE MORE YOU KNOW
