Memetics is a controversial theory of mental content based on an analogy with Darwinian evolution, originating from Richard Dawkins' 1976 book The Selfish Gene. It purports to be an approach to evolutionary models of cultural information transfer. A meme, analogous to a gene, The word meme is a shortening (modeled on gene) of mimeme (from Ancient Greek "something imitated", "to imitate", "mime"). Terminology[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memetics]
• Memotype – is the actual information-content of a meme.
• Meme-complex – (sometimes abbreviated memeplex) is a collection or grouping of memes that have evolved into a mutually supportive or symbiotic relationship. Simply put, a meme-complex is a set of ideas that reinforce each other. Meme-complexes are roughly analogous to the symbiotic collection of individual genes that make up the genetic codes of biological organisms. An example of a memeplex would be a religion.
• Memeoid – is a neologism for people who have been taken over by a meme to the extent that their own survival becomes inconsequential. Examples include kamikazes, suicide bombers and cult members who commit mass suicide.
• Memetic Equilibrium – refers to the cultural equivalent of species biological equilibrium. It is that which humans strive for in terms of personal value with respect to cultural artefacts and ideas.
A meme, analogous to a gene, is essentially a "unit of culture"—an idea, belief, pattern of behaviour, etc. which is "hosted" in one or more individual minds, and which can reproduce itself from mind to mind through writing, speech, gestures, rituals or other imitable phenomena.
Thus what would otherwise be regarded as one individual influencing another to adopt a belief is seen memetically as a meme reproducing itself. As with genetics, particularly under Dawkins's interpretation, a meme's success may be due to its contribution to the effectiveness of its host. Memetics is notable for sidestepping the traditional concern with the truth of ideas and beliefs.
Supporters of the concept regard memes as cultural analogues to genes in that they self-replicate, mutate and respond to selective pressures.
Proponents theorize that memes may evolve by natural selection in a manner analogous to that of biological evolution. Memes do this through the processes of variation, mutation, competition and inheritance, each of which influence a meme's reproductive success. Memes spread through the behaviors that they generate in their hosts. Memes that propagate less prolifically may become extinct, while others may survive, spread and (for better or for worse) mutate. Memes that replicate most effectively enjoy more success, and some may replicate effectively even when they prove to be detrimental to the welfare of their hosts.
A field of study called memetics arose in the 1990s to explore the concepts and transmission of memes in terms of an evolutionary model. Criticism from a variety of fronts has challenged the notion that academic study can examine memes empirically. However, developments in neuroimaging may make empirical study possible.
Other possible memetic infections:
1. Spiritist were taught by Allan Kardec, around 1850, that spiritual progress is effected by a series of compulsory reincarnations. However, the Spiritualist movement in England and America knew nothing of this until his teachings became known.
2. Table Tipping / Dowsing / Pendulums/”The Other Side”
3. UFO’s:'The Nine' (“Keys of Enoch”); the Guardians(Dorothy Martin/Sister Thedra)
4. Pleiadeans/Sirians
5. Channeling
6. Ascension and Ascended Masters: Guy Ballard , who founded I AM , the first Ascended Master Teachings religion, claimed he could teach people how to ascend to heaven without having to die. He accumulated over 1,000,000 followers in the 1930s. However, he died a normal death in 1939.
7. “A Dweller on Two Planets or The Dividing of the Way” written by Frederick S. Oliver around 1886.( the source of the idea that there is a hidden sanctuary of ascended Lemurian masters under Mount Shasta)
8. Stories or websites depicting an underground city at Giza
9. 2012 Mayan or Hopi prophecies, which evidently no similar predictions exist anywhere outside of North America.
10. Pandemic scares such as Swine Flu that never materialize. Is true or fear mongering that’s been perpetrated. Vaccinations? Necessary or a memetic.
“Indigo Children” was a good example of a Memetic Virus propagated unexpectedly through churches.
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigo_children
[2] http://www.dallasobserver.com/2006-03-09/news/little-boy-blue/full
Moonies are an example. [http://www.ted.com/talks/ex_moonie_diane_benscoter_how_cults_think.html]
Jonestown would be another.
The important thing is not to paint yourself into a corner.
I’ve let go of so many false beliefs it’s amazing.
And I continue to discover many more.
The Truth will set you free.
Try it.
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