The Figuring Of Bumpy Romantic Love Terrains In Kenya’s Internet Memes

Abstract

Love and relationships have always been fundamental facets of human life since to love, be loved and subsist in a stable romantic, loving and fulfilling relationship is a universal need for every human being. Unfortunately, this sociological need could be confronted with frustrating circumstances that derail its attainment. Literary texts, both canonical and popular from across the world, have always contested with uneven terrains that characterize romantic love relationships in varying shades. This paper attempts to demonstrate how technodigital spaces such as social media have provided platforms through which modern artists create oeuvres that canvass popular social didactics. Equally, the paper assesses artistic imaging of romantic love intrigues in Kenya’s jocular digital popular art forms namely internet memes as mediated in WhatsApp and Facebook. The study adopts a qualitative research design in assessing memetic figuring of heartbreaks in romantic love relationships and in unravelling some of the reasons for heartbreaks in love relationships as well as how internet memes normalize such breakups and heartbreaks. Relief, Superiority and Incongruity Humour theories as well as Cultural Criticism govern the discussions. The paper finds that despite their humorous facade, internet memes just like mainstream literature canvass popular social issues that are proximal to humankind.