It might be tempting to think that the current generation invented the concept of memes — in reality, however, humans have probably been cranking out memes since they learned how to put pen to paper.
Recently, one Twitter user discovered that a comic from the ’20s actually utilized a format which has since been popularized by memes. (Specifically, the “how you think you look vs. how you actually look” meme. )
this comic strip from 1921 is really relatable to this day pic.twitter.com/DXCpl923Iy
— wida (@YoRHaw) April 15, 2018
I guess since the iteration of cameras, it’s pretty much been a straight shot to Meme-dom.
Obviously, Twitter was shook.
IS THIS THE FIRST MEME? https://t.co/2j5IUChhn2
— HONY (@AnthonyGobeille) April 15, 2018
We’ve been making memes for over a hundred years. We just didn’t have the internet.
— Scott Pell (@svederik) April 15, 2018
if you can’t handle/you don’t deserve https://t.co/zpQI1T5M58
— Rebecca Christopher (@christrebecca) April 15, 2018
Or: Driver’s license photos, in a nutshell. https://t.co/bQXLGxKIo6
— Arlo the Pangolin (@ArloPangolin) April 15, 2018
Vintage shitpost https://t.co/zX2KBl8cx8
— Sprang Break… FO’EVER… (@NavyHuskie) April 15, 2018
This has been a mood ever since the camera was invented https://t.co/eHZvIpql64
— Hammer Jorts (@LachlanTemplar) April 15, 2018
Humanity’s relationship with the camera https://t.co/9TCykGV3UC
— Stān (@Fourteenpounds) April 15, 2018
And, if you’re skeptical as to whether this illustration actually dates back to the early 20th century, never fear: OP came with the receipts (i.e., sources).
Omg source pls
— wennnnnnnnnnna (@skimbobbly) April 15, 2018
It’s from the Judge Magazine (July issue) !
— wida (@YoRHaw) April 15, 2018
The comic is actually from an issue of Judge Magazine printed in July of 1921. Judge Magazine was a satirical publication which apparently ran from 1881 to 1947.
That’s history for you, I suppose — always repeating itself.