Always Has Been

The "Always Has Been" Meme: A Journey Through Time and Space

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of internet culture, memes serve as succinct vessels of humor, satire, and societal commentary. One such meme that has captured the imagination of digital natives is the "Always Has Been" template. This meme features an astronaut realizing a surprising truth about Earth, only to be confronted by another armed astronaut who reveals that the truth was always known, with the chilling retort, "Always Has Been." This meme has become a popular way to comment on overlooked or hidden truths and has left an indelible mark on the meme culture. Let's dive into the history, cultural impact, and enduring relevance of this fascinating meme.

Introduction to the Meme

The "Always Has Been" meme, at its core, is a satirical commentary on the human tendency to overlook or remain ignorant of glaring truths. It typically features two astronauts floating in space, gazing at Earth. The first astronaut realizes a surprising fact about Earth, which can range from political truths to humorous absurdities. The second astronaut, holding a gun, reveals that the truth was already known, delivering the punchline with the phrase, "Always Has Been." The meme's effectiveness lies in its ability to encapsulate complex ideas in a simple yet profound manner, often provoking laughter, introspection, or both.

History of the Meme

The origins of the "Always Has Been" meme can be traced back to 2016, when a Reddit user named "poggers" shared an image that laid the foundation for the meme. However, it wasn't until 2019 that the meme gained widespread popularity. It became a viral sensation on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram, where users began to adapt the format to address various subjects. The meme's resurgence in 2019 can be attributed to its versatile format, allowing it to be easily adapted to different contexts and delivering a punchline that resonates with a wide audience.

Cultural Impact

The "Always Has Been" meme has had a significant cultural impact, serving as both a humorous commentary on societal issues and a critique of human nature. It often highlights the cognitive dissonance that individuals experience when confronted with inconvenient truths. The meme's adaptability has enabled it to comment on a broad range of topics, including politics, science, history, and pop culture.

In the political realm, the meme has been used to critique various ideologies and policies. For instance, one popular variation features the phrase, "America is the greatest country," followed by the realization that America's prosperity has always been built on complex socio-economic factors, with the second astronaut saying, "Always Has Been." Such iterations invite viewers to critically examine commonly held beliefs and question the narratives that shape societal perceptions.

In science and technology, the meme has been utilized to shed light on scientific truths that are often ignored or misunderstood. An example includes the classic realization that "Climate change is real," met with the response, "Always Has Been." This variation underscores the frustration of climate scientists and advocates who have long warned of the impending consequences of climate change.

Typical Usage

The versatility of the "Always Has Been" meme allows it to be used in various contexts, each iteration tailored to the creator's intent. Typically, the meme is employed to illustrate overlooked truths or to convey a sense of irony or sarcasm. Its two-panel format, with the first panel setting up the premise and the second delivering the punchline, is simple yet effective in capturing the essence of the commentary.

The meme often serves as a platform for social critique, drawing attention to societal blind spots and encouraging viewers to question widely accepted narratives. Its use of astronauts and the vastness of space lends an existential quality to the meme, inviting viewers to ponder the larger implications of the truths being revealed.

Variations and Notable Examples

Over the years, the "Always Has Been" meme has spawned numerous variations, each reflecting the creativity and ingenuity of its creators. Some notable examples include:

1. Historical Revelations: One popular variation involves historical events or figures. For instance, "The Earth is round" followed by "Always Has Been" comments on the historical debate surrounding the shape of the Earth and the eventual acceptance of scientific fact.

2. Pop Culture References: The meme is often used to comment on pop culture phenomena. A notable example features the realization that "The Simpsons predicted everything," with the second astronaut affirming, "Always Has Been." This iteration plays on the long-running joke that the animated series has eerily predicted numerous real-world events.

3. Personal Anecdotes: The meme has also been adapted for personal anecdotes, allowing individuals to reflect on personal growth or realizations. For example, "Growing up is realizing your parents were right about life," met with "Always Has Been," captures the universal experience of maturing and gaining perspective.

4. Philosophical Musings: In more introspective variations, the meme delves into philosophical territory. A version that reads, "We are made of stardust," with the response "Always Has Been," invites contemplation of humanity's connection to the cosmos and the fundamental truths of existence.

Why the Meme Remains Popular

The enduring popularity of the "Always Has Been" meme can be attributed to several factors. Its simplicity and adaptability make it accessible to a wide audience, while its ability to convey complex ideas in a concise format ensures its continued relevance. The meme resonates with viewers because it taps into the universal experience of realizing hidden truths and the cognitive dissonance that often accompanies such revelations.

Moreover, the meme's humor and irony provide a sense of catharsis, allowing individuals to laugh at the absurdities of life and the human condition. In an age where misinformation and skepticism abound, the "Always Has Been" meme serves as a reminder to seek truth and question assumptions.

Additionally, the meme's visual appeal, with its space-themed setting and iconic imagery, captures the imagination of viewers. The astronauts, floating in the vastness of space, symbolize the search for knowledge and the journey toward understanding, making the meme both visually striking and thematically profound.

Conclusion

In the ever-changing landscape of internet culture, the "Always Has Been" meme stands out as a testament to the power of humor and satire in illuminating truths. Its ability to adapt to different contexts and address a wide range of topics ensures its continued relevance in the digital age. As long as there are truths to be uncovered and assumptions to be questioned, the "Always Has Been" meme will remain a beloved and enduring fixture in the world of memes, inviting us to laugh, reflect, and perhaps even change our perspectives.