Week 9


My research question is "How does Buddhism relate to Buddhist styled youths memes?" I need to define the “Buddhist styled youths” clearly in my study. Since it is a buzzword in China, referring to the definition by China Daily website, which is an influential news institution in China, will be a good choice. China Daily describes this attitude as “adopting a peaceful state of mind; standing aloof from worldly gain and success; doing what you like or what you think is right; and not caring about how others think about or judge you.”
Also, I need to define some important items in Buddhism, such as Karma, which often appears in Buddhist styled youths memes. I will compare its different meanings in Buddhism doctrine and memes. To study the definition of items in Buddhism doctrine, I will refer to Buddhism dictionaries or other articles from Buddhism scholars.
Moreover, I need to explain the position of Buddhism in China. Although most Chinese are not Buddhist, the religion has profound influence in Chinese culture in its process of secularization.
Buddhist styled employee

Not punctual. Never work over time. No business trip. No intrigue.

I don’t care my achievement. I don’t care my boss. I don’t whether I’ll be fired.
My salary will come with karma.

Buddhist styled graduates

I don’t read paper. I don’t write paper. I don’t attend conferences.
I don’t want to think of my study or graduate.
I just keep staring at my PC everyday.
I will get my degree with karma.

Hello. I’m Buddhist styled designer.

I don’t feel sad or happy. I change my draft with karma. (Jiafang=Party A)

My selection of memes allows them to communicate with each other. For example, the “Buddhist styled employee”, “Buddhist styled graduates” and the “Buddhist styled designer ” are all working attitudes of certain careers. Both “Buddhist styled employee” and “Buddhist styled graduates” emphasizes a negative“muddle along”lifestyle while “Buddhist styled designer ” shows the depression of mood swings. “Buddhist styled designer ” and “Buddhist styled employee” finish their work to some extent but “Buddhist styled graduates” do not want to do anything relate to study. We can figure out the similarities and differences between Buddhist styled youths memes by studying their communications.

评论

  1. Soup Twin-12018年11月7日 13:52

    I understand your research questions intent, but I think it can be made more concrete. Are you interested in how accurate these memes portray Buddhist beliefs and practices? Or what messages themes memes communicate about what Buddhism is or stands for?

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