#Pepe the Frog: From Internet Meme to Cultural Phenomenon**
Pepe the Frog, a simple yet distinctive cartoon amphibian, has transcended its origins to become one of the most recognizable and controversial figures on the internet. Created by artist Matt Furie in 2005, Pepe’s journey from a laid-back character in a comic strip to a symbol of diverse and often conflicting ideologies is a testament to the unpredictable nature of online culture.
### The Birth of Pepe
Pepe made his debut in Furie’s comic series "Boy’s Club," which depicted the lives of four anthropomorphic roommates. The comic was a lighthearted take on young adulthood, filled with humorous and relatable moments. Pepe’s catchphrase, "feels good man," perfectly encapsulated his easygoing and contented personality. The comic gained a modest following, but it wasn’t until the rise of social media platforms that Pepe’s popularity exploded.
### Pepe Goes Viral
In the late 2000s, users on forums like 4chan and Reddit began sharing Pepe images, modifying them to fit various contexts and emotions. The flexibility of Pepe’s expressions made him a perfect vehicle for a wide range of internet humor, from the wholesome to the absurd. His image was often accompanied by humorous captions that resonated with users, further solidifying his status as a meme.
### A Dark Turn
However, Pepe’s image took a darker turn around 2015. Various alt-right groups and individuals began using Pepe in political contexts, modifying his image to convey racist, anti-Semitic, and other hateful messages. This appropriation led to widespread controversy, culminating in the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) adding Pepe to its hate symbol database in 2016. This transformation of Pepe from a benign meme to a tool of hate speech was shocking to many, including Furie himself.
### Matt Furie’s Response
Disturbed by the co-option of his creation, Furie fought to reclaim Pepe’s original, positive essence. In 2017, he launched a "Save Pepe" campaign, creating new artwork to promote Pepe as a symbol of peace and positivity.
