A persistent mascot meme refers to a type of internet meme that involves the use of a recurring character or figure that is associated with a specific concept or idea. These characters or figures often become recognizable and widely known within online communities, and their images or representations are frequently shared and remixed in various contexts. These mascot memes can take various forms, such as images, illustrations, videos, or even text-based descriptions. They are often characterized by their repetitive nature, appearing in different online platforms and communities over an extended period of time. One of the key aspects of persistent mascot memes is their ability to evolve and adapt to different situations or contexts. These memes can be modified or altered by different individuals or communities, allowing for a wide range of interpretations and expressions.
These memes can be modified or altered by different individuals or communities, allowing for a wide range of interpretations and expressions. As a result, persistent mascot memes can become highly versatile and adaptable, contributing to their widespread popularity and longevity. Persistent mascot memes often gain traction and popularity due to their relatability and humor.
Magic Springs Theme Park Show
Most of my friends have, at one time or another, had what I like to call birthday privilege – the chance to see Hanson either on or close to their birthday. My birthday is February 21st, and Hanson has never even played a show on that date. The closet I’ve gotten is is a February 3rd BTTI show. So, what does this mini-rant have to do with a show in July? Well, back on my birthday this year, what I thought was going to be a small group of work friends going out to lunch turned into a surprise party with most of my coworkers. My phone was politely tucked away in my purse while I mingled with work friends. When I came back from lunch, I pulled my phone out and saw posts from Hanson announcing the show in Hot Springs, Arkansas, AND a message from my friend saying she already got tickets. I don’t think there’s ever been another time when tickets went on sale immediately with the show announcement, so that was quite the birthday surprise. Without birthday privilege, I’ll take what I can get.
For one-off shows like this, my rule for attending tends to be if it’s within a 5 hour drive or if it’s a state I haven’t seen Hanson in yet. This show checked both of those boxes, and in fact was the first public show Hanson has ever played in Arkansas. I did end up flying though, as I had planned to then fly from the show to Chicago to celebrate the 4th of July with family. There was no direct flight however and in the long run, I could have driven there faster than I flew there.
My friend and I got to Little Rock early in the afternoon on Friday and made the quick drive down to Hot Springs. It was still too early to check into our hotel, so we found a few touristy things to do. We drove by Bill Clinton’s childhood home, and as a joke, I wondered if he has any saxophone songs on Spotify. Answer: no, but we did find a playlist called Songs Bill Clinton Would Bop To and it actually slaps – it became the theme playlist of the trip. We then drove through the small downtown and came to the conclusion that many of those buildings must be haunted. Everything looked like it just stopped existing in 1965. It was such a weird, little town. We found an observation tower up on a mountain and the views were gorgeous. We could even see the rollercoasters from the theme park and they looked so tiny in comparison. At the bottom of the mountain, there was a fountain where you could fill up with spring water. To be honest, I didn’t think it tasted that great. This city girl is too accustomed to her filtered city water.
In small world fashion, a friend of mine from Nashville recently moved back to Little Rock where he grew up. He’s a musician, and he just so happened to be playing a cover set at a restaurant in Hot Springs Friday night, so we of course had to go. I was a little bummed he didn’t play some of his original music, and when I asked he said he wasn’t even sure he remembered any. But if you’re into folk/pop, or if you’re near Little Rock and need a musician or DJ for your event, Nick Flora is your guy.
Hot Springs lived up to its name with a heat index of 104°F (40°C for my non-American friends) on show day. My friend and I debated sticking around the hotel until show time, but we were worried she wouldn’t be able to get a scooter if we showed up that late, and I hadn’t been to a theme park or on a rollercoaster in 17 years, and I was anxious to see if I could still handle them. (In 2019 I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease – it’s an inner ear disorder that causes tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo, so I get dizzy much easier these days, not to mention the general equilibrium loss that comes with turning 40.)
We showed up to the park pretty early and made our way to the biggest coaster, The Gauntlet. I strapped myself in before I knew what I was doing, and as it started making it’s way up for the first drop I realized it was too late to turn back. I was fine, but it did make me wonder why coasters don’t have a panic button before the drop if someone starts being really not okay. Turns out, I still love them – it was the good kind of thrilling. However, as expected, my body does not still love them. I had taken some motion sickness medicine before we got there, but still felt pretty woozy and dizzy after the ride, so I took a dose of my prescribed vertigo medicine. The heat may have contributed to it, so we found some shade and water and took a break only one ride in.
After some rehydration, we rode a wooden coaster and that was much easier on my head than the big one that sent us spinning and upside down. But at this point, the heat was getting really bad and we called it quits. We found some ice cream and then learned there was one air conditioned Mexican restaurant and spent most of our time there before making our way to the amphitheater for show time.
Unfortunately, I think we were already too far gone from the heat by the time we took refuge in the restaurant, and I was still feeling pretty miserable by the time Hanson took the stage. I hate to say this, but I was honestly ready for the show to be over before it even began. When they slowed down the set and started playing “Weird”, I caught myself with my eyes closed more than once. They picked the pace back up with “This Time Around” and I was still struggling to stay awake, and that’s when I realized I was not okay. There was a little catwalk coming from the stage and my friend and I were near the end of our aisle. Taylor started making his way down the catwalk toward us, but I was too busy desperately digging for a pack Pedialyte in my backpack to pay attention. It saved the day though, and I was able to enjoy the end of the show. The expected highlight of the show was an encore of “Rollercoaster Love”.
Since my friend and I still weren’t feeling 100%, we wasted no time getting out of the park and back to the hotel after the show. Before heading up to our room, we stopped by the lobby shop for some Vitamin Water and ice cream treats. My friend booked this particular hotel because it was the only one that had ADA rooms available. But as luck would have it, there, enjoying our ice cream, when one by one the guys walked into the lobby. We just smiled at Zac before other fans started talking to him and Isaac didn’t notice us at all (in his defense, we were kind of hidden behind a pillar). Taylor was the last to show up and since we were done with our snacks at that point, we got up to say hi and ask for a photo before going up to our room. We apologized for looking miserable during the show and assured him it wasn’t their fault.
At the end of the day, I’m glad I went – I’ll always be glad I went. But, I think this show taught me that it’s time to retire from outdoor summer shows in the south. Although I know that’s easier said than done. If, for example, they decide to play an outdoor summer show in Mississippi, another new Hanson state, I’m sure I’ll be there. But please, Hanson, don’t do that to me or else “you’re gonna be my demise” when “I feel the heat on the rise”.
Unfortunately, I think we were already too far gone from the heat by the time we took refuge in the restaurant, and I was still feeling pretty miserable by the time Hanson took the stage. I hate to say this, but I was honestly ready for the show to be over before it even began. When they slowed down the set and started playing “Weird”, I caught myself with my eyes closed more than once. They picked the pace back up with “This Time Around” and I was still struggling to stay awake, and that’s when I realized I was not okay. There was a little catwalk coming from the stage and my friend and I were near the end of our aisle. Taylor started making his way down the catwalk toward us, but I was too busy desperately digging for a pack Pedialyte in my backpack to pay attention. It saved the day though, and I was able to enjoy the end of the show. The expected highlight of the show was an encore of “Rollercoaster Love”.
They can connect with people on a personal level, resonating with their experiences or emotions. Additionally, these memes can also serve as a form of social commentary, satirizing societal norms or drawing attention to certain issues. Furthermore, persistent mascot memes can also serve as a means of self-expression and creativity for individuals. By creating or sharing these memes, people can engage in a form of participatory culture, contributing to the ongoing creation and dissemination of internet content. Overall, persistent mascot memes have become an integral part of internet culture, showcasing the creative and humorous side of online communities. They bring people together, spark conversations, and provide a form of entertainment in the ever-evolving digital landscape..
Reviews for "The Future of Persistent Mascot Memes: How They'll Continue to Shape Pop Culture"
1. Sarah - 1 star - I honestly don't understand the hype around the persistent mascot meme. It's just a repetitive and overused concept that lacks any originality. The constant bombardment of the same character appearing in every corner of the internet is just annoying, and it feels like I can't escape it. I much prefer memes that are creative, funny, and bring something new to the table.
2. John - 2 stars - The persistent mascot meme is just not my cup of tea. I find it repetitive and unimaginative. It's like everyone jumped on the bandwagon without giving much thought to the content. It's become predictable and lacks the element of surprise that makes memes enjoyable. I prefer memes that take risks and push boundaries, not ones that stick to a tired formula.
3. Emily - 1 star - The persistent mascot meme is the epitome of internet oversaturation. It's everywhere you look, and it's become incredibly tiresome. The lack of variety and originality is a major turn-off. I appreciate memes that keep me guessing and make me laugh out loud, but this trend just doesn't deliver on those fronts. It's become a monotonous and repetitive presence that I can do without.
4. Michael - 2 stars - I've never understood the appeal of the persistent mascot meme. It's just a loop of the same character appearing over and over again, which quickly becomes boring. I prefer memes that offer some variety and surprise. There's no shortage of creative and hilarious memes out there, so why waste time on something so repetitive and uninteresting?
5. Elizabeth - 1 star - The persistent mascot meme is like a bad joke that keeps getting repeated. It lacks originality and quickly becomes tiresome. It feels like every internet platform is flooded with this same character, and it's just not enjoyable. Give me memes that are fresh, witty, and genuinely funny, not ones that rely on a tired and overused concept.