UlasanAnime.com – The concept of a “meme” as an idea that is passed down through generations, much like DNA but at a faster pace, was recently discussed by an internet personality on NPR. This definition immediately brought to mind the anime series JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.
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My viewing experience of JoJo was a mix of weekly episodes and binge-watching sessions. I watched the first six episodes weekly, then consumed episodes 7 through 14 in one sitting. After a three-month break, I finished the remaining episodes, 15 to the end, while on a plane, feeling fatigued and dealing with jetlag.
Watching the dramatic conclusion of JoJo while tired diminished its impact. However, even with a marathon viewing style, it’s hard to ignore the recurring formula. The same narrative structure and types of events that occurred in the first arc seem to be repeated in the second. This might offer a unique perspective on the similarities between the 1800s and the 1900s, though I’m uncertain if this holds true for the inner thoughts of the characters or the ancient curse of the super-species of man.
Memes, in a way, could be seen as anachronisms for the future. They serve as a historical marker that future generations can “understand,” perhaps through name-dropping, and also as a means to connect with the past, similar to generational links. The difference in perspective arises from the inherent arrow of time.
