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 usually find me on my phone scrolling through Facebook, iFunny App, Instagram, Pinterest, etc.
Context
I found this meme while scrolling through my iFunny app., I was likely just sitting at home. iFunny is an application on any mobile device that is designated for users to upload memes, gifs, short clips etc. I direct messaged the user that posted the meme, in hopes to get an interview but did not receive a message back. It is difficult to determine if this was the original copy of the meme or if the user found it on a different online post and uploaded to the app. The meme is known as “Roll Safe”, it is a screenshot of actor Kayode Ewumi grinning and pointing to his temple while portraying the character Reece Simpson (a.k.a. “Roll Safe”) in the web series Hood Documentary (knowyourmeme.com). Hood Documentary is a mini-series from the Youtube Channel BBC Three, uploaded on June 1st, 2016. The image is typically used with captions that reflect a failure in critical thinking followed by a poor decision.
Texture
The general attitude of this meme is humorous, though I suppose there is an undertone of worry in there, in that there are some people who lack critical thinking skills which immediately set them up for poor decision making. Then again, it’s possible this post is just meant to be funny or to remind individuals in a subtle way to use their critical thinking skills to full capacity when finding solutions or making a discussion.
Course
Introduction to Folklore/English 2210
Instructor
Dr. Lynne McNeill
Semester and year
Fall 2017
Theme
G9: Internet Memes
EAD Number
5.35
Recommended Citation
Herrera, Melissa, "Roll Call Meme" (2017). USU Student Folklore Fieldwork. Paper 99.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/student_folklore_all/99