The webcomic "What Pride Flag Is That? or So Are You Like Gay Or Something?" has garnered widespread attention on the internet through its relatable humor and adaptability. This article explores its origins, spread, and cultural significance.
Origins of the Webcomic
Creator
The webcomic was created by the artist @sarahmhops. Although her original post has been deleted or made private, her work continues to resonate. Unfortunately, her Twitter and Instagram accounts are private, and the comic is not available on her personal website.
First Appearance
The earliest available repost of this webcomic appeared on May 31st, 2022, by Redditor WatcherBlue on the subreddit /r/dankmemes. This post quickly gained popularity, amassing over 29,200 upvotes within three days.
Spread and Variations
Use as a Meme Template
The comic's format made it a versatile meme template, inspiring a myriad of edits and variations. Users across various platforms have adapted the comic to fit numerous contexts and fandoms.
Major Reposts and Edits
One of the notable reposts happened on the same day by Redditor Anthony-Minimum-4984 on /r/MemeEconomy, where a template was shared and gained over 7,700 upvotes in three days. This user also created an edit with the Fire Nation flag from "Avatar: The Last Airbender," receiving over 1,800 upvotes.
Facebook page Riker's Beard shared an edited version with a Star Trek flag on June 2nd, gaining over 2,400 reactions and 400 shares in just one day. Additionally, Redditor GallowJr posted a Jerma's Dollhouse Stream variant on /r/jerma985, which received over 2,700 upvotes within a day.
Analysis of Impact
Popularity
The webcomic's simple yet relatable humor contributed significantly to its popularity. Its adaptability made it a compelling choice for meme creators.
Cultural References
Meme creators have used the comic to reference a wide range of cultural touchpoints, including popular media like "Avatar: The Last Airbender," "Star Trek," and various internet personalities and streams such as Jerma's Dollhouse Stream. This has allowed the comic to stay relevant and continuously adapted to new contexts.
Template Usage and Continued Relevance
The straightforward format of the meme allows for quick and easy customization, ensuring its continuous use for online humor and cultural commentary. The enduring interest and numerous edits highlight the comic's lasting influence in the realm of internet memes.