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VirianLexicon:meme-complex

Meme-complex


Memecomplex also known as a memeplex, m-plex, or scheme. A set of mutually-assisting memes which have co-evolved a symbiotic relationship. Religious and political dogmas, social movements, artistic styles, traditions and customs, chain letters, paradigms, languages, etc. are meme-complexes. Also called an m-plex, or scheme (Hofstadter). Types of co-memes commonly found in a memeplex are called the: bait; hook; threat; and vaccime. A successful memeplex commonly has certain attributes: wide scope (a paradigm that explains much); opportunity for the carriers to participate and contribute; conviction of its self-evident truth (carries Authority); offers order and a sense of place, helping to stave off the dread of meaninglessness. (Wheelis?, quoted by Hofstadter?.)


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