A Guide to Doge: Much article. Very journalist. Wow.

Alec Pearce explains where the most popular meme of 2014 has come from and why we just can’t get enough.

As an avid internet user and devoted disciple of the almighty Doge, I was of course extremely happy to be able to write an article about him. I suppose for those of you who are reading this and don’t have a clue what I’m referring to, the question is: what in the name of everything that is holy is Doge?

A quick Google search will tell you that on February 23rd, 2010, Japanese kindergarten teacher Atsuko Sato posted several photos of her rescue-adopted Shiba Inu dog Kabosu to her personal blog. The images included a funny shot of Kabosu looking at the camera side on with slightly raised eyebrows. The image spread across many internet sites like Reddit and 4chan and eventually hit social media sites as well. Usually posted along with funny captions such as: much cute, such Doge, wow. The sensation that is Doge, is hugely popular and you’ve probably seen him before even if you didn’t realise the significance of the interaction.

In the long list of internet memes, Doge’s influence is the most far reaching as it also became a currency. During the so called ‘Bitcoin Boom’ a BitcoinTalk forum member decided to create an alternative virtual currency based on the popular image of Kabosu. The whole situation created a further storm online with Twitter accounts and Subreddits being dedicated to the cryptocurrency.

One might ask why they should care about the ravishing Doge. The answer is quite simple. Once you stare into those big, hypnotising eyes there is no choice in the matter. You will be converted and become a follower of Doge, sharing his image far and wide whilst encouraging others to do the same. You cannot escape it. It is…your destiny.

Jokes aside, the meme shows just how incredibly quickly images and ideals can spread around the internet. I had no idea what this Doge nonsense…*ahem*…Doge awesomeness was until suddenly it just kept appearing everywhere. Perhaps an underlying message can be found here. Although Doge is an example of a cute and funny image, it is important to remember that images and views can become hurtful or offensive when captions are added and circulate just as quickly.

But I don’t want this to end on a down note. All I can say is look at the picture of Doge…okay…look some more…wow, such eyes, so love, very dog, wow.

You have now been successfully indoctrinated into the cult of Doge. I am both sorry and happy at your enlightenment as now you have no choice but to worship the almighty one.

All hail Lord Doge.