The Origin Story: How 'This Became This' Became A Meme

Alright, guys, let's dive into the wild world of internet memes and unravel the mystery behind one of the more surreal ones: "This became This." You know the one – it usually involves a picture of something ordinary transforming into something completely unexpected and often hilarious. But where did it all start? How did this bizarre concept take root in the fertile ground of the internet and spread like wildfire? Buckle up, because we're about to embark on a meme archaeology expedition.

The Genesis of "This Became This"

Understanding the origin of "This Became This" requires a bit of internet history sleuthing. Memes, as we know them, rarely spring into existence fully formed. They evolve, mutate, and adapt as they're shared and remixed across various platforms. In the case of "This Became This," pinpointing the exact Patient Zero is tricky, but we can trace its lineage back to a few key ancestors.

One possible ancestor is the general category of transformation memes. These memes rely on the humor derived from unexpected changes or evolutions. Think of those image macros where a caterpillar becomes a butterfly, but the butterfly is, like, a heavy metal rocker or something equally absurd. The core concept is the same: taking something familiar and twisting it into something completely different for comedic effect. The beauty of these transformation memes lies in their simplicity and relatability. Everyone understands the basic concept of change, and the humor comes from the unexpected and often ridiculous nature of that change. It's about subverting expectations and making people laugh at the absurdity of it all. It's this element of surprise that makes these memes so shareable and memorable.

Another related meme format that may have contributed to the rise of "This Became This" is the reaction image. Reaction images are, as the name suggests, images used to express a specific reaction to a statement, situation, or piece of media. Often, these images feature a person or character undergoing a visible transformation – perhaps from confusion to understanding, or from boredom to excitement. The humor here comes from the visual representation of a feeling that many people can relate to. Think of the classic Drakeposting meme, where Drake expresses disapproval of one thing and approval of another. It's a simple yet effective way to communicate a complex emotion or opinion. These reaction images have become a staple of online communication, and they've undoubtedly influenced the way we think about and create memes.

Furthermore, the popularity of surreal memes in the mid-2010s created a fertile ground for the rise of "This Became This." Surreal memes embrace the absurd and nonsensical, often defying logic and reason. They thrive on unexpected juxtapositions and bizarre imagery, creating a sense of confusion and amusement. Think of images with deep-fried effects, distorted text, and random objects placed in unexpected locations. These memes challenge our expectations of what is considered normal or acceptable, and they often leave us scratching our heads in bewilderment. It's this element of the unknown that makes surreal memes so captivating and shareable. They tap into our innate curiosity and our desire to find meaning in the meaningless.

The Key Ingredients for Virality

So, we've established the possible ancestors of "This Became This." But what were the key ingredients that allowed it to break through the noise and achieve meme stardom? Several factors likely played a role:

• Simplicity: The format is incredibly easy to understand and replicate. All you need is two images and a caption. This low barrier to entry encouraged widespread participation.
• Versatility: The "This Became This" format can be applied to virtually any topic, from pop culture to politics to everyday life. This broad applicability made it relevant to a wide range of audiences.
• Absurdity: The meme's inherent surrealism resonated with internet users who were already accustomed to and appreciative of bizarre humor.
• Relatability: Despite its absurdity, "This Became This" often touches on relatable experiences or feelings. This allows people to connect with the meme on a personal level, even if they don't fully understand why it's funny.

Consider this example: A picture of a calm, serene lake labeled "My Plans" followed by a picture of a chaotic, raging ocean labeled "2020." The humor lies in the juxtaposition of the expected (calm plans) and the reality (a year of unprecedented chaos). It's a simple yet effective way to express the feeling of being overwhelmed and out of control. And it's this relatability that makes the meme so shareable and memorable.

Another factor that contributed to the virality of "This Became This" is its ability to be remixed and reinterpreted. The format is so simple that it can be easily adapted to suit different contexts and audiences. This allows for endless variations and interpretations, keeping the meme fresh and relevant over time. Think of the many different ways people have used the meme to comment on current events, personal experiences, and pop culture trends. It's this adaptability that has allowed "This Became This" to remain a popular meme format for so long.

Examples of "This Became This" in the Wild

To truly appreciate the meme's versatility, let's look at some examples of "This Became This" in action:

• Pop Culture: A picture of a cute, innocent Baby Yoda labeled "Me Before The Mandalorian" followed by a picture of a hardened, cynical bounty hunter labeled "Me After The Mandalorian."
• Politics: A picture of a well-organized spreadsheet labeled "My Expectations for the Election" followed by a picture of a dumpster fire labeled "The Actual Election Results."
• Everyday Life: A picture of a perfectly brewed cup of coffee labeled "My Morning" followed by a picture of a spilled coffee mug labeled "My Day."

These are just a few examples, but they illustrate the meme's ability to capture a wide range of experiences and emotions. The humor comes from the unexpected juxtaposition of the two images, and the relatability comes from the shared experiences that the meme references. It's a simple yet effective way to communicate complex ideas and emotions.

The meme's success also lies in its ability to be self-aware and ironic. Many "This Became This" memes poke fun at the meme itself, acknowledging its absurdity and its widespread use. This self-awareness adds another layer of humor to the meme, making it even more appealing to internet users who are tired of the same old formats. It's a way of saying, "We know this is ridiculous, but that's the point."

The Enduring Appeal of Absurdity

So, why has "This Became This" endured? What is it about this seemingly random format that continues to resonate with internet users? The answer, I believe, lies in our collective embrace of the absurd. In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, memes like "This Became This" offer a moment of levity and release. They allow us to laugh at the absurdity of life and to connect with others who share our sense of humor.

Moreover, the meme's simplicity and versatility make it a perfect tool for expressing complex ideas and emotions. It's a way of saying things that are difficult or impossible to say in words. It's a way of communicating through images and symbols, creating a shared language that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. And it's this ability to connect with others on a deeper level that makes memes like "This Became This" so powerful and enduring.

In conclusion, while tracing the exact origin of "This Became This" is a challenge, we can see how it evolved from earlier meme formats and how its simplicity, versatility, absurdity, and relatability contributed to its viral success. So next time you see a "This Became This" meme, take a moment to appreciate the complex history and cultural forces that have shaped this bizarre and hilarious corner of the internet. And remember, sometimes the best way to cope with the chaos of life is to laugh at it.