Various court cases and media coverage have revealed to us how the internet can be a vehicle for some (even well-meaning) folks to go “too-far”, whether violations of privacy are determined a little too late, or web trolling goes out of control.
Recently there have been images circulating documenting an unqualified painter’s attempt at a restoration project for a small church. One popular meme combines the “botched” image of Christ with the text “I can pray to potato”, that, though seemingly humorous, references a chain of less amusing jokes. “I can count to potato” was a quip from the film “The Ringer” starring Johnny Knoxville as he is impersonating someone with down syndrome in an effort to get into character for a role he is reluctant to play on moral grounds. This line has since spawned many variations as a short-hand comment on the relative intelligence of various pop-cultural subjects.
Some of the derivative images may have nothing to do with DS, such as this LOTR pun, pictured above – which simply satiates the internet masses’ love for the absurd mixed with the nerd-ily familiar. But in light of the free-for-all use of this phrase as a vehicle for bullying, I find this a poignant moment to share how Johnny defends the dignity of disabled individuals in the clip below.
Let us remember when making images and constructing narratives that any joke or commentary is fair game in this MEME-stream, and can be reinterpreted and used however anonymous Photoshoppers may please. This is both the freedom and the downside to the web.