How a Distasteful Meme Sparked a Web Culture War
When does an Internet joke go too far?
Years ago, a photo of a baby with down syndrome was taken from a support group website and turned into a controversial Internet meme. That child — now 16 years old — is Heidi Crowter, and Heidi just discovered what the entire Internet has been saying about her photo, according to The Sun.
Because memes spread so widely and rapidly, it can be difficult to track the source of an image. Especially in this case, since it seems to have originated in 2009.
It’s impossible to point the finger of blame at one person or site. It’s equally impossible to wipe a widespread image from the web. Image board sites like 4chan and 9gag allow users to post anonymously, which means that even if you can find the origin point, you’d never identify the first uploader. Then there’s the First Amendment question.
Heidi’s family and friends have attempted to fight the meme by creating a Facebook page to raise awareness, and asking people to take the image down. However, the page has been hacked, allegedly by users on 9gag, although some claim they’re being framed by 4chan users.
The issue has spiraled from a distasteful meme to the Internet’s distasteful reaction, to a family asking for sympathy. There are millions of people who don’t understand how web culture works, or how memes travel — there are also plenty of people who don’t care.
This story in particular highlights the divide between people who understand Internet culture and those who seek to fight it. Many Redditors have pointed out that Internet users have the right to disseminate content, however distasteful. It’s a free speech issue, and the mainstream media’s portrayal of “Internet trolls” oversimplifies a complex discussion.
See this BBC report, for example:
But try explaining that to Heidi Crowter.
Heidi’s case is “a sign of the times,” according to Ben Lashes, a meme manager who represents viral characters and their creators, such as Nyan Cat, Scumbag Steve and Keyboard Cat.
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