My case study is going to
be focused on the use of internet memes to communicate and discuss the apparent
contradictions between Republican ideology and Christianity, the religion
primarily subscribed to by Republican people. Based on the images I have used
as examples, we can gather information about Christian values, Republican
values, the contradictions between the two ideologies, and how Democrats use
these to paint a negative picture of Republican politicians and voters. At the
core of Christianity is a belief in Jesus Christ as the son of God, obviously.
Furthermore, Christians believe in the values of kindness, equality,
generosity, helping those in need, and pacifism. These traits are taken by people with opposing views and compared against apparently contradicting ideas held by Republicans (such as the opposition of same-sex
marriage, government controlled healthcare, and welfare programs) in an effort
to discredit them and their Presidential nominees. In the two
sample images I have provided below, the Republican stances on welfare and
general ideas of capitalism are being criticized due to the perceived
contradicting beliefs between the conservative platforms and basic tenants of
biblical Christianity which appear extremely socialist. People creating these
types of images are usually associated with the political left and subscribe to
atheism, agnosticism, or some other form of secular thinking. They are clearly
being critical of Republican ideology. The representation of Christians in these types
of memes can often be skewed and misinformed in an effort to further support
the claim being made or because of pure ignorance. However, this is not always
the case, with many of these memes pointing out seemingly condemning flaws in Christian
Republican logic.
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