Definitions of “meme”
(1) an image, video, piece of text, etc., typically humorous in nature, that is copied and spread rapidly by internet users, often with slight variations.
(2) an element of a culture or system of behavior passed from one individual to another by imitation or other nongenetic means.
Why a zine named after memes?
MEMEZINE believes that memes not only inspire art, literature, and poetry, but that they also hold artistic merit in and of themselves. Whether or not we are aware, interacting with a meme is a way of engaging in a larger cultural moment.
And, like, they can make us laugh.
They’re also a means of forming connection in ways that cannot be put into simple words. Memes are increasingly recognized as “tools of social commentary and political discourse” that “can help us better understand the relationship between culture and technology…and the relationship between memes and power” (Dale & Murphy; Zidani). And yet, the meme can also be completely unserious, puzzling, absurd. The nature of its versatility is exactly why we think it should be the namesake of our literary zine. The meme is art, is literature, is power.
What we’re looking for:
We want to see pieces that blur the lines between art, literature, and content. Send any work (traditional or hybrid format) that engages with memes, viral content, apps, trends, social media, pop/internet culture, and technology. Gift us your best and your worst because we want to explore all facets of participation in this digital landscape. If you’re not sure whether your work fits, check out our features and issues!
MEMEZINE is dedicated to uplifting neurodiverse, disabled, queer, trans, BIPOC, women, and any historically-marginalized group.
Masthead
Chel Campbell
Editor-in-Chief & Founder
Chel Campbell has the same zodiac placements as L. Ron Hubbard but she made MEMEZINE instead of dork religion. She has some degrees from a school and taught some classes and has some publications in some cool magazines. They don’t bite if you approach them slowly with a treat in your open palm. You can even say hello on Instagram @hellochel
Rachel Lauren Myers
Assistant Editor + Social Media Goblin
Rachel Lauren Myers would like to know if you are mad at her. Find her on Instagram as @hellostarbuck
Gregory Glenn
Assistant Editor
Gregory Glenn is a writer, editor, and performer based in Massachusetts. Unpopularwriter.com / @hi_thisisgreggi on instagram and tiktok
Benji Cardenas
Video Editor
Deconstructed person, struggling always, loves sniffing glue.
Instagram @name_whatevs
Kerstin Tuttle
Reader
Kerstin Tuttle is a PhD candidate in English at the University of Minnesota, and her screen time was down 18% last week for an average of 6 hours, 16 minutes a day. When she's not hunched over a screen for work, she's probably sprawled in front of a larger screen for pleasure.