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Month: December 2016

Review: The Innocents

The Innocents is a beautifully tragic drama which borrows its idea from the true story of a group of Polish nuns who were repeatedly raped by Soviet soldiers immediately after World War Two ended.

The story is quietly powerful, exposing the shocking and unexpected effect of rape on an uncommon group of people. Highly acclaimed French director Anne Fontaine explores different themes and shares the uplifting nature of unbreakable female unity but also their consequent betrayal.

Although the film has been received positively by critics, so far garnering 95 per cent positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes (based on 80 reviews), it is by no means Fontaine’s first successful movie, having also directed the transatlantically popular Adoration, Gemma Bovery and Coco before Chanel amongst many other accomplished French films. Working alongside her is cinematographer Caroline Champetier who does a wonderful job of highlighting the nuns’ intense distress following their attack.

What makes it worse for them is that on top of suffering from PTSD they are terrified of being condemned to hell for being touched, something that they perceive as being a sin. When we discover that, the rapes feels all the more tragic and heart breaking as you feel their heightened shame. Champetier manages to skilfully communicate their distress through stillness and muted colours which puts the focus solely on their emotions, thus contrastingly transferring the scene from a quiet atmosphere to one of disquiet.

Fontaine carries out an in depth analysis of the different characters which frequently conflicts with their sense of morality. This is certainly true in the case of the nuns to varying effects, and also, to a certain extent, Samuel, who is Jewish, who early on in the film expresses hatred towards the Polish (they had shunned the Jewish before and during the war) however he later on aids the nuns, helping to deliver some of their children.

The main starring actress is Lou de Laâge, who does an outstanding job of taking on the role of Mathilde, a medical student who helps the nuns. Her presence on screen is magnetic and compelling, as her powerful yet timid vibe gives her a lovely edge that is complimented by the other actors. Vincent Macaigne had me feeling very conflicted with his portrayal of Samuel, Mathilde’s co-worker and lover. Whilst he was charming and provided an element of much needed humour and lightness to the otherwise heavy plot, he also was annoyingly self-deprecating and lacked compassion and tact during a time when it was needed the most. However, I feel this did make him more human and when sharing screen time with Lou de Laâge, he forces her character to reveal the vulnerable and tender side to her that she is reluctant to show.

The Innocents is a tragic film that will genuinely give you goosebumps and make you feel some intense emotions (I confess I cried twice throughout the film) that is solidified by wonderful acting and cinematography. Really worth a watch.

4/5

MUFC Player Ratings: Manchester United vs West Ham United

After a very convincing performance against Feyenoord midweek, Manchester United failed to build on their Europa League performance against West Ham United in the Premier League. Like against Burnley, Stoke and Arsenal, United dominated the game and created a bucket load of chances but failed to take all three points.

Mourinho switched his promising 4-3-3 to his go to 4-2-3-1 and United suffered because of it. The absence of Carrick, having played two consecutive games in the past week, saw Herrera and Pogba partnered at the base of midfield; not positions which suit their skill sets. The midfield balance was off and West Ham’s 3-4-3 soaked up much of United’s pressure, especially in the second half.

The Reds started the game awfully, conceding a free kick on the edge of the box and going a goal down from Diafra Sakho’s header having barely touched the ball. The response was good, however, and United controlled the rest of the game in terms of possession and shots. Zlatan Ibrahimović’s header brought the hosts back level in the 21st minute but failed to beat Darren Randolph again in the 90. The Irish international, like many goalkeepers visiting Old Trafford recently, had a stormer and was the mean reason why United failed to take all three points.

After the game, Ander Herrera and Rui Faria, speaking for Jose Mourinho who was once again sent to the stands for unprofessional behaviour, bemoaned the Reds’ lack of luck. While they have a legitimate argument (United had more than double West Ham’s xG – @11tegen11) there comes a point when luck cannot be the only answer.

It is now four Premier League home games in a row where United have dominated procedures but failed to pick up a win. In general, when things happen numerous times it is difficult to blame luck or the supernatural consistently. It is very probably that the Red Devils are suffering from a serious lack of confidence which is rubbing off on their finishing. The poor morale at United is deep rooted and not easy to shift. In the golden era, Old Trafford used to scare the visiting team. Now it seems to unnerve the hosts.

Player Ratings

GK: David De Gea: 7
Was not at fault for Sakho’s opener and actually kept United in the game in the dying moments when former Red, Ashley Fletcher, forced the Spaniard into a good save. Made a precautionary save from Dimitri Payet’s free kick in the second half and, other than that, was not tested.

RB: Valencia: 7

Quickly becoming Mourinho’s ‘mister reliable’. Another very solid game for the 31 year old who was a consistent thorn in Aaron Cresswell’s side. His crossing is not as dependable as it has been in the past but he provided a number of good opportunities for United going forward. Was never really put under significant pressure defensively.

RCB: Phil Jones: 7

After two decent performances against Swansea and Arsenal, Jones looks to be growing more familiar with the weight of United’s shirt, putting forward his best performance of the season so far against West Ham. Showed very good pace (not something he is especially known for) in beating Sakho in the 23rd minute and dominated aerially winning the joint-most duels of anyone on the pitch (6). One of those defensive headers would have become an assist had Marcus Rashford beaten Randolph in his one on one.

LCB: Marcos Rojo: 6

Like Jones, Rojo had a good game aerially winning four duels at an 80% success rate. Unlike Jones, Rojo had a few uncertain moments which fuelled the fire for those supporters who believe that the Argentinian is not fit to wear the United badge. He was fortunate to not concede a penalty for handball at the end of the first half and was beaten too easily by Ashley Fletcher for his chance at the end of the game.

LB: Matteo Darmian: 6

@WikimediaCommons

Tested thoroughly by Michail Antonio’s marauding runs and looked uncertain at the best of times. Only won three of his six attempted tackles and was caught out late on by Antonio’s dribble into the box. The Italian international was very poor going forward in stark contrast with Valencia on the opposite flank. Seemed to run out of ideas in the final third with the majority of his passes going backwards. Fortunately for Darmian, Luke Shaw seems to have fallen out with Mourinho with the young left back once again being left out of the match day squad. For the near future, Darmian will hold down the left side of defence, much to the fans’ dismay.

RDM: Ander Herrera: 6

Took up Carrick’s role of screening United’s defence but looked like a square peg in a round hole at times. Was dribbled past the joint most of any player on the pitch (3) but did provide the second most interceptions (3). One of Herrera’s clearest qualities is his industrious work-rate, and so, when he is restricted to anchoring the midfield there is a distinct lack of pressing to United’s game. As was seen on Thursday night against Feyenoord, Herrera is best suited to the right side of a three-man midfield where he has license to get forward and track back.

LDM: Paul Pogba: 7

Because of Herrera’s instructions to stay deep, Pogba had more license to roam forward. His scooped through ball to Ibrahimović was perfectly weighted for the Swede to nod home for United’s equaliser. The Frenchman set up Ibrahimović again at the end of the first half but his incisive pass was not awarded with an assist. In the second half, Pogba’s effort from the edge of the area was well saved by Darren Randolph to keep the score at 1-1. Statistically, Pogba was the best player on the pitch, winning the joint most aerial duels (6) and winning the joint-most dribbles (4). There are, however, some frustrating aspects to his game. His through ball to Rashford in the first half was over hit and forced the youngster much wider than he should have and some of the ‘trick box’ flicks and turns seemed unnecessary and sometimes led to dispossession. It was his theatrical dive in the first half which led to his booking and Mourinho’s dismissal to the stands for kicking a water bottle in protestation.

RM: Jessie Lingard: 6

Gave away the free kick in the first minute which led to West Ham’s opener but worked tirelessly and effectively from then on out. His brilliant movement and shot at the end of the first half should have been awarded with a goal if it was not for a fantastic Randolph save. Was unfortunate to not put United ahead in the second half when he pounced on Mkhitaryan’s rebound only to be hauled back for offside (correctly, just). Many a groan was heard around Old Trafford when the exuberant winger was substituted for Marouane Fellaini in the 85th.

CAM: Juan Mata: 6

United’s creative fulcrum was not at his usual best against West Ham and spent much of the game anonymous. Played a good through ball for Lingard’s chance at the end of the first half but did not provide much else in terms on penetration. Probably should have been kept on the pitch with United chasing a goal, given his recent form.

LM: Marcus Rashford: 5

@WikimediaCommons

The star man from the second half of last season has dropped in performance levels this campaign. Made lots of very good runs but whenever he got the ball he looked short of confidence to take on his man and his end product was uncharacteristically poor. Put in a decent cross for Ibrahimović in the first half but completely fluffed his one on one with Randolph just a few moments later. For a player known for his individual impact, zero key passes and zero dribbles won does not look great.

ST: Ibrahimović: 7

Started off the game poorly by being beaten by Sakho for West Ham’s opener. Made up for the deficit with a brilliantly guided header to put the hosts on level terms. Took too long winding up his shot at the end of the first half which allowed Angelo Ogbonna to make a last-ditch block. Showed great anticipation in the second half when he pounced on Collins’ mistake and rounded Randolph but his touch let Cheikhou Kouyaté clear the ball before Zlatan could put the ball in the empty net. Much has been made from Ibrahimović’s wayward finishing of late but the big Swede’s game is much more than just finishing chances. Against West Ham, Zlatan played five key passes which was two more than any other player on the pitch and did brilliantly to set up Lingard in the first half.

 

Subs

Wayne Rooney: 5

Failed to have any significant impact on the game and actually hindered United’s build up play more than he helped it. Had two poor efforts, one straight at Randolph and the other off target.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 6

Looked bright on the left hand side and played some smart passes to link up with Valencia. Was very unlucky to not put United ahead when his shot was brilliantly saved onto the inside of the post by Randolph. Mourinho’s claims that the Armenian is not ready for the Premier League have some weight as the ex-Dortmund man was shrugged off the ball too easily at times.

Marouane Fellaini: N/A

@WikimediaCommons

Genuinely awful. Came on as a final ‘hoof-ball’ option and did not win a single header. Despite coming on in the 85th minute, the Belgian managed to give away a free kick in a dangerous area and pick up a yellow card, the latter probably being his best involvement in the game as he will now be suspended for Wednesday’s EPL fixture against West Ham.

 

All statistics provided by WhoScored.com

MUFC Player Ratings: Manchester United vs West Ham United (EFL Cup)

Manchester United battered West Ham United at Old Trafford in the Premier League but could not bring home the three points on Sunday. Three days later, the two sides met again in the same setting to contest the quarter finals of the EFL Cup. With Mourinho serving a touchline ban because of his disgraceful treatment towards the innocent water bottle on Sunday, Rui Faria was given the task of directing the team for the second time this season.

Mourinho kept faith with his 4-2-3-1 and yet again started Zlatan Ibrahimović up top. This misfits of Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Wayne Rooney and Antony Martial made up the forwards supporting the big Swede in attack. Behind them, Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera had the job of breaking up West Ham’s forays forward. In defence, the ever reliable Antonio Valencia held down the right while Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo partnered the centre of defence. On the left, Luke Shaw was reintroduced from his exile to prove to Mourinho that he has the mettle to solidify a place in the starting eleven. David De Gea started in net which gave the impression that Mourinho is serious about progressing in this competition. With Chelsea, Manchester City, Tottenham and now Arsenal out, the EFL Cup might be United’s best shot at silverware this season.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The Reds stormed out of the blocks with intent, immediately showing West Ham that they were not going to be in for an easy night under the lights at Old Trafford. A smart through ball from Rooney found Mkhitaryan who, in turn, coyly back-heeled the ball into the path of Ibrahimović, who put the hosts ahead in the first two minutes. United continued to storm forward, but the Hammers managed to snatch an equaliser when De Gea spilt Payet’s shot into the path of ex-Red, Ashley Fletcher. Suddenly, United looked like a team sapped of confidence. Yet again they had dominated. Yet again they were back level. Into half time the teams went and whatever Mourinho said to the men in red had a significant impact on the rest of the game.

United meant business in the second half, and this time, they carried out the deed. A brace from Martial followed by another Zlatan goal topped off a brilliant attacking display by Mourinho’s men. However, the highlight of the night was probably the reintroduction of Bastian Schweinsteiger to the United team. A standing ovation and cheers every time he touched the ball greeted the German, and the smile on his face could not have been wider. While it is very unlikely that the World Cup winner will make any real inroads into the United team, it is nice to see a true legend of the game appreciated properly.

 

Player Ratings

GK: David De Gea: 5

Only faced two shots on target: one of them he parried right in front of him, the other was Fletcher’s rebound which ended up in the back of the net. Definitely not his finest moment. Despite not being called on again, the Spaniard did show good distribution; sparking two counter attacking the second half from long, accurate throws.

RB: Antonio Valencia: 7

A game of the highest highs and some pretty low lows. Got forward very effectively, as he often does, but exceeded most fans’ expectations by pulling off one of the cleanest back-heels to Mkhitaryan for United’s second goal. Made a clever run that was found brilliantly by Ibrahimović and slid the ball across to Martial for the third. Defensively, Valencia struggled with Cresswell and Payet’s interchanges in the first half and picked up a yellow card for three silly fouls. He also gave Payet too much space for his shot, which, inevitably ended up in the back of the net.

RCB: Phil Jones: 7

Looked similar to the Phil Jones who was touted by Sir Alex Ferguson to be United’s next world class defender. Won 100 per cent of his tackles (2) and 100 per cent of his aerial duels (4) with two interceptions and three clearances thrown in for good measure. Did have some classic ‘Phil Jones’ moments, however. He completely misjudged the trajectory of an aerial ball and turned his back only to ricochet the ball to a United player off his neck. He also completely mishit a clearance in a dangerous position which could have been punished if West Ham’s forwards had been more alert. All in all, a solid outing.

LCB: Marcos Rojo: 8

Like, Jones, had an impressive game winning 100 per cent of his tackles (6) and 80 per cent of his aerial duels (4). Unlike Jones, Rojo did not make any horrendous errors which could have put United’s momentum in jeopardy. Made and very respectable eight clearances and three interceptions. Rojo is really starting to develop into a decent centre back and viable competitor for Chris Smalling and Eric Bailly when they return from injury.

LB: Luke Shaw: 6

After being completely left out of the squad for the fixture on Sunday, Shaw was given the chance to prove Mourinho that he is of United’s quality. The youngster did enough; he stopped the threat of Michail Antonio down the right and made some decent forays forwards. Unfortunately picked up an injury just before half time and so is unlikely to feature against Everton at the weekend.

RDM: Ander Herrera: 7

Not as commanding in midfield as he has so often been for United this season. The game, in general, seemed to pass the Spaniard by with the majority of West Ham’s attacks coming from the wings. Missed an important challenge in the build up to West Ham’s goal but other than that had a sound game. Showed good feet to dribble past the West Ham defender and pull the ball back to Ibrahimović for United’s fourth.

LDM: Michael Carrick: 7

Like Herrera, not as crucial to United’s game plan as he has been in previous matches. Controlled the possession and gave United much needed composure in a pretty hectic game. Will hopefully be partnered with Pogba and Herrera for United’s clash with Everton on Sunday; the Reds have won 8 of the 9 games Carrick has played in this season.

RM: Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 9

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The man of the match for the second game in a row that he has started. Brought a huge amount of composure to United’s attacking play and chose the right pass in almost every instance. Started the game with a timely back-heel for Ibrahimović’s opener and set up Martial with a no-look pullback for the Frenchman’s first of the game. Played a whopping seven key passes, two more than the whole of the West Ham team combined. Has shown his quality two games running and should be rewarded with a start in the Premier League for the first time since the Manchester Derby.

CAM: Wayne Rooney: 9

Hands down the best performance by Rooney in the last four years. Back to his rugged and ruthless best, charging up and down the pitch like a bulldog. Was involved in United’s opener by playing though Mkhitaryan and took three West Ham players out of the game in the process. Proceeded to spread the play quickly and effectively, something which has been lacking from his game in recent times. “Rooney’s on a bender” was the chant heard from the Stretford End and rightly so.  Since the England skipper was caught out boozing he was scored two goals and picked up four assists in seven games. Have a beer on us, Wayne.

RM: Antony Martial: 8

Looked like the electric winger who took the Premier League by storm last season. Gave Antonio and Kouyate a torrid time with his direct running and grabbed a very impressive brace to double his scoring tally for the season. His first finish was emphatic while his second showed his natural striker’s instinct. Was wasteful at times and some of his decision making showed a bit of rust. However, a definitive step in the right direction for the young Frenchman.

ST: Zlatan Ibrahimović: 9

Started brilliantly by dinking the ball over Adrian in the second minute. Despite suffering the goalkeeper’s studs to the knee, the Swede, in typical ‘Zlatan’ fashion, got up and got on with the job. Missed two very good opportunities to score in the 6th minute but his work rate was phenomenal, pressing from the front and giving the West Ham defence not a moment of peace. Played an incisive no-look through ball to Valencia for the third and doubled his scoring tally with one of the last kicks of the game.

 

Subs

Daley Blind: 7

Covered for Shaw well enough and did not let West Ham have any sort of joy down his flank.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: N/A

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Came on to the biggest cheer of the evening and played with a smile on his face for his brief cameo on the pitch. Had a long range effort fly past the post and was important in playing through Herrera for United’s fourth goal of the night.

Marcus Rashford: N/A

Came on in the final moments to run down the clock and barely touched the ball.

 

All statistics provided by WhoScored.com

Review: A United Kingdom

At opposite ends of the room Ruth Williams (Rosamund Pike) locks eyes with the intriguing Seretse Khama (David Oyelowo) at a dance in late 1940s London. It is in this moment that we know their love story is inevitable. We witness its brisk development within the first few minutes of A United Kingdom, culminating in a proposal which will spark a world of chaos for the lovers.

Seretse is the soon to be king of the Bamangwato tribe in Bechuanaland (now known as Botswana) and Ruth Williams is the woman he has decided to spend the rest of his life with. The only problem is, Seretse is a black man and Ruth is a white woman.

Interracial relationships were anachronistic for the time thus their engagement is met with opposition from both their families. With apartheid being instated in South Africa their union also poses issues for the British government. Alistair Canning (Jack Davenport) is the snobby bureaucrat appointed to raise a barrier to the couples union. This is because South Africa provides cheap gold to Britain. News of a white British Queen on the Bechuanaland throne would anger a nation cemented in its divisions.

Amma Asante, the films director, has made a romantic film which effortlessly merges the personal and the political. Her previous film Belle (2013) also dealt with race relation issues. Asante’s small yet outstanding catalogue of work is fast establishing her as an auteur. Namely, of personal true stories that show love can restore humanity in otherwise inhuman situations.

The film is based on true events. It is the love story amongst all of the political and economic turmoil which anchors the film. Rosamund Pike and David Oyelowo are superb in their portrayal of the couple. Their chemistry is undeniable and Oyelowo particularly shines with his terrific accent and steely resilience against a tide of oppression. He once again showcases his talent as a leading man and also his talent for giving speeches as seen in Selma (2014).

The supporting cast is also outstanding with a plethora of famous faces such as Laura Carmichael of Downton Abbey fame, and Nicholas Lyndhurst from the iconic Only Fools and Horses. They play Ruth’s sister Murial and her father George.

The universality of this true love story coupled with Asante’s expert craftsmanship makes this film the perfect cinematic package. It is an easy watch with emotive content played out in the breathtaking landscapes of African. Despite a slow start and rather clunky dialogue at time, the film still excels as a masterpiece and will leave your heart well and truly warmed.

Review: Paterson

Jim Jarmusch is like a really bad bus service, you wait ages for one then two suddenly come along at the same time. With his love for Iggy Pop and The Stooges in Gimme Danger, it is his fictional film Paterson that once again reinstates Jarmusch as not only an imperative voice in American indie cinema but also as one of modern cinema’s defining auteurs. Although this statement appears at first glance grandiose, it is not given for flamboyancy but instead validity of the gentleness inherent in Paterson.

Paterson (Adam Driver) is a bus driver in Paterson, New Jersey. He wakes up at 6:15am most days, gazes with love at his caring partner Laura (Goldshifteh Farahani), eats of a small bowl of Cheerios, and then sets off for work with a blue metallic steel lunch box. After a day at work, Paterson walks his English bulldog Marvin down to the local bar. Neon lights brighten up this place. Behind the bar, the charismatic Doc (Barry Shabaka Henley) pours Paterson and pint of beer. Yet, behind the veneer of this everyday routine man, something artistic rests.

‘Life isn’t dramatic, always’ Jarmusch recently stated in an interview with The Guardian. The simplicity of the plot is not a reflection of the piercing beauty which is found — its ease only serves to reinstate it. In his spare time, Paterson writes expressive poetry. The work which he creates is eloquent, poignant and captures the splendour of the seemingly mundane. In the instance of a box of Ohio Blue Match Sticks, Paterson functions it as an allegory for love and passion.

Focusing upon much discussed William Carlos Williams — whose poetry is referenced constantly — his predominant focus on the commonality of life is entwined with Paterson. Do we define him as a bus driver who is a poet, or a poet who is a bus driver? He is apprehensive to openly acknowledge his creative flair, but it is distinct that something remarkable hides behind the blue jacket and the understated appearance of Driver. Chiefly, it is not inconceivable to state that Paterson is indeed a poet who is a bus driver.

Paterson’s job does not bore him. Overhearing conversations between labourers, teenage kids, and two young boys, their words light up the face of Paterson. Even when the bus breaks down unexpectedly, the man is composed and self-assuring to his passengers. As the travellers ask constantly whether the bus will explode into a fireball, he calmly rejects their claim. However, one can be appreciative of the fact that this is thankfully not that sort of film to which stupidity and negligence orientate.

The experience of being a bus driver produces a reflective influence upon his poetry. A delicate visual representation of Paterson’s poetry is found both in voice-over of Driver reading his character’s work and imagined on screen in a soft eggshell white. The slow deliverance of the poetry, to which is created in the moment of its delivery, is part of the creative process to Paterson. With time, clarity arises and so does an assurance in his pronunciation of his beautiful poetry.

Behind the unfussy performance of Driver lies an attentive direction from Jarmusch and his crew. Medium longshots of the bus place us, the viewer, onto street level observing Driver — who gained a bus license just for this role. In an age of Cinematic Universes and the ghastly Transformer films, there is something graceful in the simplicity of Paterson. Like a favourite song, book, or blanket, Paterson will be revisited and consumed over and over again. Poetical in both a literal and abstract sense.

5/5

Harambe and the magic of memes

At the beginning of the year, 2016 looked like it would be like any other. We would celebrate all the traditional festivals such as Easter, the Summer Solstice and Ed Balls Day all without incident. We knew the referendum was around the corner but we did not pay much heed to it. And then, something happened. Our world started to become increasingly surreal. The world of the Internet started to leak through into real life and real life began to shape the online world immeasurably.  I speak, of course, of memes. Memes have for many become a tangible and unavoidable part of everyday life.

I start with the hero of 2016. A true martyr who died for us and who has been shown such levels of love on the internet that the appreciation for his life is now becoming part of the zeitgeist. Everywhere, people know his name. We all remember where we were, at 4pm EDT 28th May 2016, when we found out Harambe had been killed at Cincinnati Zoo.

Harambe, who has since gone on to conquer the internet, was not just a gorilla. He was you. He was me. He was humanity. He was all of us. Whether lowland gorilla, human or orangutan. He gained such popularity that not only is there a Wikipedia page about his death, but also a page dedicated to making memes about him, which has been mentioned in many mainstream publications.

The murderers at Cincinnati Zoo have requested that these memes stop, but that will only encourage more memes. Harambe did not die for nothing, you know. In fact, people still shout dicks out for Harambe at passing television cameras and there was a candle lit vigil for him in Manchester and in other places across the globe. Such things are even banned at one US University, as he is considered a symbol of male oppression. How much acid they were on when they made that link god, or Harambe, only knows.  But the biggest indication that Harambe has transcended mortality, the Internet and even popular culture, is the fact that 11,000 people voted for Harambe in the US election. 11,000 people wisely put their cross next to a gorilla, who were he still alive, would probably have achieved world peace and global enlightenment.

But we have also seen the evolution of other forms of memery. Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character form a comic called ‘Boy’s Club’ and adopted by 4chan, has not only become a meme, but for some also a symbol. Depending on who you ask, they will give different answers. Many on the alt-right will say Pepe is an intrinsic part of their meme culture, there to poke fun at their political adversaries, proclaiming their love of the meme with the phrase ‘Praise Kek!’ Some people actually believe that he is the incarnation of an Egyptian god who has been sent to deliver us from evil. Then, there are those who see him as a hate symbol, following certain racist cartoons being made either using him as a base for their illustration or with racist wording.

The US Anti Deformation League has called him a hate symbol and encourages people not to use him as a meme. Yet he persists. His memes formed a major pillar of Donald Trump’s online campaign for the presidency, otherwise known as ‘The Great Meme War 2015-16’. Eventually, Hillary Clinton was going to have to address it. In a campaign rally, some months ago, Hillary Clinton called out the alt-right and their use of racist symbols, to which a man in the crowd can immediately be heard shouting “PEEEPEEE!” at the top of his lungs. Pepe has not only managed to breakout from 4chan, but he has broken out of the conventional realms of the Internet.

But these are all relatively old examples. The Internet moves at a thousand miles a minute and while these memes reached their peak about a month or two ago, to the Internet, that is a lifetime ago. In the weeks immediately following Trump’s win, a new meme began to take shape, a whimsical and harmless meme in which we could all share enjoyment. It was the series of Biden/Obama memes. These memes, inspired by lines from the always hilarious film ‘Step Brothers’, gained such traction and captured our imagination to such a degree that they became a news story in their own right. Suddenly, CNN, NBC, ABC and other US news networks were talking about the memes, reporting on them and writing articles about them. What kind of a world do we now live in that memes, once the preserve of a few niche corners of the internet, are now mainstream news? What has happened in 2016 that has brought about such shattering change?

The answer is simple my friends: the world has been turned upside down. With the new digital age, and the increasingly uncertain world in which we live, the world is becoming a much nastier, scarier, more bleak place. Yet, amongst the calamitous situation in which western civilisation currently finds itself in, we can take refuge in the realm of memes. They can make us smile when we think all hope is lost. So I say simply this: keep memeing away, and it might not be so bad.