One morning this week I was minding my own business,i saw a video in twitter where kids were having sex scrolling through Instagram stories, when I noticed several of my friends posted the same photo of former President Bill Clinton, clutching a record and surrounded by several others.
The photo, which originated in a 1999 Onion article, is a new meme: Bill Clinton swag. There's even a dedicated Instagram page to boot with the tactless tagline, "I did not have sexual relations, for the record." Memers edit the photo to show their four favorite albums, and tag friends so they can do the same.
This meme sucks. Here's why:
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Bill Clinton is problematic
That is saying it *lightly* so we don't get sued. But here are a few reminders: There are rape allegations against him (which Ronan Farrow said were credible). Then there's the entire Monica Lewinsky scandal — and remember just this year he commented on the incident saying he did it to "manage his anxieties." OK. You really want this guy to be the face of your favorite albums?
The meme is dumb
You don't need Bill Clinton to tell people what music you like. Just list your favorite four albums. Why take the time to make this? Which brings me to my next point.
The meme is difficult
When there are multiple articles explaining how to edit a meme, it defeats the purpose of memeing, which is an accessible form of self-expression online. You're telling me I have to go to a website to make this meme? Pass.
The meme is corporatized
The Bill Clinton Swag website was made by Last.fm and Vercel. When brands get involved with a meme, the meme dies — which means this sad little meme was dead on arrival.
Look, I get it: Many of us are stuck at home with nothing to do. But please, let's not sink so low that we make everyone who follows us look at Bill Clinton.