I read a blurb in yesterday’s WSJ about a meme in use mostly by the younger crowd using the word “Ohio.” I was born and raised in Ohio, Springfield to be exact, where on a very cold Sunday evening, about 8 PM at 525 Galagher St, I was born. My parents were working-class people, neither of which had graduated from high school. My father quit school in the sixth grade to go to work on the railroad as a bridge carpenter water boy. My mother had a daughter at 16 and later in life earned a GED and went on to become a LPN.
My mother in particular embodied in me the importance of an education although not achieved on her part. I think the class distinctions in working in a hospital made it clear to her that along with education potentially comes wealth. So back to “Ohio.” I queried Perplexity about this new lexicon with the following results which have not much to do with peritoneal dialysis per se but do with me, and that’s what this blog is all about. The lead graphic, BTW, is of an Ohio Buckeye.
The use of the word “Ohio” among younger people, particularly in memes and social media, has become a cultural phenomenon, often characterized by absurdist humor and a sense of irony. This trend seems to have gained momentum particularly during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cultural Context
- Absurdist Humor: Many memes portray Ohio as a bizarre or desolate place, often exaggerating the idea that “nothing” exists there. This aligns with a broader trend of using place names in humorous, often nonsensical contexts, similar to the “can’t have shit in Detroit” meme. The phrase “only in Ohio” has emerged, suggesting that only the most outlandish events or scenarios could occur in that state[4].
- Generational Influence: While the origins of these memes can be traced back to earlier discussions about Ohio, they have notably evolved with the influence of Gen Z and younger audiences. Many younger people, including those in Gen Alpha, engage with these memes without a deep understanding of Ohio itself, finding humor in the absurdity and randomness associated with the state[4].
- Global Reach: Interestingly, the humor surrounding Ohio has transcended U.S. borders, with international audiences also finding the memes amusing. This has led to a perception that Ohio represents a kind of cultural shorthand for the bizarre or unexpected[4].
Conclusion
Overall, the word “Ohio” has become a versatile meme that encapsulates a blend of absurdity, irony, and cultural commentary, particularly among younger demographics. It reflects a playful engagement with regional identity, where the state is humorously depicted as a place of strange occurrences and minimal significance, resonating with audiences who appreciate this style of humor.
Citations:
[1] https://ohioauditor.gov/publications/docs/AlongTheOhioTrail.pdf
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ohio
[3] https://www.rrcs.org/Downloads/Ohios%20historic%20Indians%2038%20pages.pdf
[4] https://www.reddit.com/r/GenZ/comments/1cieukp/why_are_people_acting_like_ohio_is_gen_alpha_slang/
[5] https://www.midstory.org/the-forgotten-history-of-ohios-indigenous-peoples/
[6] https://civ.ohio.gov/decisions-and-publications/informational-brochures/6-age-discrimination
[7] https://singout.org/should-have-been-done-long-ago-ohio-part-4/
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