Pepe News: The Rise and Fall of a Meme

Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character created by artist Matt Furie, rose to internet fame in the early 2000s as a popular meme. The green frog with a mischievous smile and catchphrase “feels good man” became a symbol of internet culture and was used in a variety of contexts. However, in recent years, Pepe has become associated with hate speech and white supremacy, leading to his downfall as a beloved meme.

The rise of Pepe as a meme can be attributed to his relatable and versatile nature. He could be used to express a wide range of emotions and was often paired with humorous captions. Pepe’s popularity grew even more when he was featured in the popular comic series “Boy’s Club” by Furie. However, as the internet evolved, so did the use of Pepe. He began to be used in more controversial and offensive ways, leading to his association with hate groups.

Despite efforts by Furie and others to reclaim Pepe and distance him from hate speech, the damage had already been done. The Anti-Defamation League officially declared Pepe a hate symbol in 2016, and he has since been banned from various online platforms. While Pepe may have had a brief moment in the spotlight as a beloved meme, his downfall serves as a cautionary tale of how easily