In a move that has left many in the tech industry scratching their heads, President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign has posted a job listing for a "Partner Manager, Content and Meme Pages" with a salary of up to $85,000. Yes, you read that right – someone will be hired to manage memes.
The Role
According to the job listing, the successful candidate will be responsible for initiating and managing day-to-day operations in engaging with top content and meme pages on the internet. This includes creating and curating content, collaborating with influencers, and developing strategies to increase engagement and reach.
Memes as a Tool for Digital Organizing
While it may seem absurd to hire someone specifically to manage memes, this move is actually a recognition of the power of digital organizing in modern politics. In an age where going viral can mean connecting with millions of people, campaigns need to be online if they want to reach their target audience.
Biden’s Campaign and Memes
The Biden campaign has already shown its willingness to use memes to appeal to voters. The "Dark Brandon" meme, which originated from alt-right conspiracy theories about the president, has been a staple of the campaign’s social media presence. In fact, according to Axios, Dark Brandon merchandise accounted for 54% of the campaign store’s total revenue last August.
Not Just Biden – All Campaigns Are Embracing Memes
The use of memes in politics is not limited to the Biden campaign. Donald Trump has also been known to leverage memes in his own campaigns, often using viral images and hashtags to connect with his base.
Ed Markey’s "Markeyverse"
But even before the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital tactics, campaigns were already recognizing the value of social media. Take Ed Markey’s 2020 Senate campaign, for example. Young people around the country created the "Markeyverse," an organic online movement to support a climate-friendly senator.
Meme Trainings
Organizer Memes, an anonymous online personality, has even been hosting meme trainings for political organizations like the South Carolina Young Democrats. These trainings cover topics such as how to create effective memes, what makes a good meme, and how to use existing templates to respond to breaking news.
The TikTok Conundrum
But if the Biden administration’s potential ban on TikTok is any indication, young people may see through the campaign’s attempts to woo them with memes. The fact that the administration has signed a bill that could effectively ban the app sends a mixed message about its commitment to engaging with younger demographics.
Why Memes Matter in Politics
While some may dismiss memes as superficial or trivial, they can actually be a powerful tool for connecting with voters and creating a sense of community around a campaign. By embracing social media and using memes to engage with their audience, campaigns can build trust and enthusiasm among young people.
The Importance of Being Strategic
However, it’s also essential for campaigns to approach this kind of engagement strategically and intentionally. As Annie Wu Henry, a creator and digital communications strategist, noted in an interview with TechCrunch:
"I do think that we can and should infuse relevant, trendy, and fun moments into how we are communicating, especially on digital platforms. But while we’re doing that, we need to continue to be strategic and intentional and mindful, even if it’s a meme."
The Future of Digital Organizing
As the world becomes increasingly digitized, campaigns will only continue to rely more heavily on social media and memes as tools for connecting with voters. By recognizing the power of digital organizing and using it strategically, candidates can build stronger relationships with their audience and achieve greater success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the hiring of a meme manager by the Biden campaign may seem like an unusual move, but it’s actually a reflection of the changing landscape of modern politics. As campaigns continue to adapt to the digital age, they will need to be innovative in their use of social media and other online tools if they want to connect with voters and achieve success.
What Do You Think?
So, what do you think about the Biden campaign’s decision to hire a meme manager? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
