PEPE the Frog
Overview
PEPE the Frog is a popular Internet meme that originated from the comic strip Boys Club created by artist Matt Furie in 2005. PEPE is a frog with exaggerated and somewhat funny expressions, and its expressions and postures are often modified and reinterpreted by netizens to express various emotions and opinions.
Origin
PEPE the Frog first appeared as a character in Boys Club. However, what really made PEPE a globally famous Internet meme was its popularity on online forums such as 4chan and Reddit. Netizens began to combine PEPE's image with various texts and scenes to create a large number of humorous, satirical or political meme images.
Cultural Influence
The meme culture of PEPE the Frog has gone beyond the simple entertainment level and has become a cultural phenomenon. It has not only spread widely on various social media platforms, but also influenced popular culture, political speech and public opinion. PEPE's image often appears in news reports, political cartoons and advertisements, becoming a symbol with symbolic significance.
Controversy
Although PEPE the Frog started out as a harmless internet meme, over time it became associated with extremism and hate speech. Some far-right groups began using PEPE's image to express their views, causing PEPE to become a controversial symbol on some occasions. This controversy has prompted some social media platforms to restrict or ban the use of PEPE.
Artistic Expression
The image of PEPE the Frog has inspired countless artists. From simple meme images to complex digital artworks, PEPE's image has been shown in various art forms. Some artists have even combined PEPE's image with other pop culture symbols to create unique artistic styles.