Date Collected
Fall 11-2017
Informant
Myself
Point of Discovery/Informant Bio
My name is Melissa Herrera and I am a Junior at Utah State University. Majoring in Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary Science (ADVS). I was born in Anaheim, California, but moved to Logan, Utah, when I was nine years old. Needless to say, choosing to attend USU was an easy choice. I work as a Veterinary Technician (Not Certified), and I am a member of Alpha Chi Omega, Beta Xi chapter here at USU. You will find me on my phone scrolling through Facebook, iFunny App, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
Context
I was first introduced to this meme through an online discussion for ENGL 3070 (Folklore and the Internet) Fall semester of 2016. The goal of the discussion was to post three versions of one meme. Then reflect on how it’s typically used, what kind of attitude or commentary it holds. I messaged the person who posted the meme in the discussion, in hopes to get an interview. However, I did not receive a message back. This was also during the time of United States Presidential Election, which at that moment most memes pertained to politics. Who is this Ken Bone? “Ken Bone is a man who asked a question during the second 2016 United States Presidential Election Debate, which had a town hall format in which selected undecided voters ask questions directly to the candidates. Bone asked a question about the candidates’ energy policies…” (knowyourmeme). Based of him appearance, name and attitude, this launched his stardom only one hour after the debate. In addition to becoming an internet sensation, Bone gaining an unexpected fandom.
Texture
The feel of this meme is humorous, though I suppose there is an undercurrent of irony, in the sense that not many people would have expected him to become such a big internet sensation. Which proves that no one can truly predict what the internet will pick up and become the next big hit.
Course
English 2210
Instructor
Dr. Lynne Ncneill
Semester and year
Fall 2017
Theme
G9: Internet Memes
EAD Number
5.29
Recommended Citation
Herrera, Melissa, "Ken Bone Meme" (2017). USU Student Folklore Fieldwork. Paper 66.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/student_folklore_all/66