Common Sense vs. Ryan Gosling

Common Sense vs. Ryan Gosling

(is there even a question here?) 

With reference to Thomas Paine's influential publication during the American Revolution, Common Sense is a prime historical example of virality. It evolved into a highly influential medium targeting political, economic, social and cultural practices. With the example of Thomas Paine, a pamphlet was released that was in favour of American independence. It was a counter-culture movement, originally named Plain Truth, then renamed to Common Sense. Intellectuals were naming it a "masterly irresistible performance" and it facilitated a working change for the minds of many American individuals. The pamphlet released by Paine increasingly circulated across several states, and it gained exponential popularity."Common Sense was now being read aloud in homes, shops, taverns and coffeehouses" (Standage 143).  It had become an integrated discourse of shifted attitudes, beliefs and values surrounding the American life.  An important element of Standage's segment on Thomas Paine, is that he notes that "Common Sense acted as a means of signaling and synchronizing opinion. This sentence really stuck out to me when looking at contemporary practices of virality - specifically pop culture memes.

The meme that I chose is  the Ryan Gosling, "Hey Girl_______ [insert some sexy/luring comment for women]". There are many different versions of this meme, but they are quite popular among the 16-25 aged young-female crowd.

The most popular Ryan Gosling meme

Ryan Gosling meme transformed into more motivational memes for women. 

After considering the virality of Paine's 18th century pamphlet and the virality of the 21st century Ryan Gosling meme, I am able to draw some parallels. Specifically, as quoted above, Common Sense acted as a means of signaling and synchronizing opinion. Perhaps the Ryan Gosling meme did not or does not have quite the same political and cultural impact as Paine's Revolution pamphlet, yet it similarly sparked a new or transformed way of interpreting Ryan Gosling. As the well-known Hollywood actor (who is consistently recognized for his good looks and charm) these memes perpetuate a particular synchronous opinion about him, primarily among young women. We look at him as a fantasy lover, and use these memes as elements of motivation or affirmation. Just like Paine's pamphlet it provoked particular thoughts and created a sense of common understanding or belonging. 

One last thing to note that is relevant is the mass circulation that Common Sense reached. This is also shown through the media practice of memes as they are mass circulated on the internet and across every social media platform. Just like the pamphlet became a part of every American household, memes (including my boy Ryan Gosling) illustrate how we interact with others, are representative of our contemporary imagination, show our understanding and influence of celebrity culture and highlight the culture of connectivity that we live in today.