Blog One
Genre facilitates communication. Without genre people often do not know how to speak with one another, unsure how to proceed with the conversation. Van Luyn (2015) stated that language is used to create a framework for communication through genre which can be seen in any text. However, in this case is most relevant to social media websites. One such site is Tumblr, an online microblogging platform which allows for members to express and share opinions through the use of text, images, and even video. Whilst I have been a member for about three years now, I have rarely shared my own opinion to the community, preferring to observe the environment.
Image: theonion.com
The scope of communication and information sharing between individuals, from just about anywhere in the world, has simultaneously enlarged and shrunk these communities; as members cluster together in smaller subset communities based off personal opinion and values. Some such examples can be observed superficially on Tumblr, as communities group together over television shows, movies, books, and celebrities. McNeill (2009) analyses genre and theorises the change written expression with the rise of social media in relation to online diaries and blogs. McNeill further explains that genre is necessary to the interpretation of texts.
Within communities such as Tumblr create shortcuts for communication through the use of memes. One such example of a commonly used meme is the use of ‘beautiful cinnamon roll, too good for this world, too pure’. This is a means of expressing the innocence of the person referenced. This rose into popular use after ‘The Onion’ an online satirical news site published an article about said cinnamon roll. The use of this meme has taken many re-iterations since its inception but the underlying theme remains intact and so no matter its presentation (for example a picture of a character followed by a picture of the cinnamon roll) the meaning is still clear.
References:
Van Luyn, A. (2015). BA1002 Week Three Lecture Slides. Retrieved from www.learnjcu.jcu.edu.au
McNeill, L. (2009). 'Diary 2.0? A genre moves from page to screen'. Rowe, C. & Wyss, E. L. (eds.). Language and New Media: Linguistic, Cultural Practice and Technological Evolutions
Image Reference:
The Onion. (2015). Cinnamon Roll. Retrieved from http://www.theonion.com/article/beautiful-cinnamon-roll-too-good-for-this-world-to-35038
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