A Unified Theory Of Cats On The Internet

Author : E.J. White
Publisher : Stanford University Press
Page : 114 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2020-07-21
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781503614031

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A Unified Theory of Cats on the Internet by E.J. White Pdf

This cultural history reveals how cats became the undisputed mascot of the internet—“an essential look at life online” (Ryan Milner, author of The World Made Meme). Journalists and their readers seem to need no explanation for the line, “The internet is made of cats.” Everyone understands the joke, but few know how it started. A Unified Theory of Cats on the Internet is the first book to explore the history of how the cat became the internet’s best friend. Internet cats can differ in dramatic ways, from the goth cats of Twitter to the glamourpusses of Instagram to the giddy, nonsensical silliness of Nyan Cat. But they all share common traits and values. Bringing together fun anecdotes, thoughtful analyses, and hidden histories of the communities that built the internet, Elyse White shows how japonisme, punk culture, cute culture, and the battle among different communities for the soul of the internet informed the sensibility of online felines. Internet cats offer a playful and useful way to understand how culture shapes—and is shaped by—technology. Western culture has used cats for centuries as symbols of darkness, pathos, and alienation. The communities that helped build the internet represented themselves as outsiders, with snark and alienation at the core of their identity. Thus cats became the sine qua non of cultural literacy for the Extremely Online, as well as an everyday medium of expression for the rest of us. Whatever direction the internet takes next, the “series of tubes” is likely to remain cat-shaped.

Author : Jessica Maddox
Publisher : Rutgers University Press
Page : 254 pages
File Size : 47,6 Mb
Release : 2022-10-14
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781978827936

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The Internet Is for Cats by Jessica Maddox Pdf

LOL cats. Grumpy Cat. Dog-rating Twitter. Pet Instagram accounts. It’s generally understood the internet is for pictures of cute cats (and dogs, and otters, and pandas). But what motivates people to make and share these images, and how do they relate to other online social practices? The Internet is for Cats examines how animal images are employed to create a lighter, more playful mood, uniting users within online spaces that can otherwise easily become fractious and toxic. Placing today’s pet videos, photos, and memes within a longer history of mediated animal images, communication scholar Jessica Maddox also considers the factors that make them unique. She explores the roles that animals play within online economies of cuteness and attention, as well as the ways that animal memes and videos respond to common experiences of life under neoliberalism. Conducting a rich digital ethnography, Maddox combines observations and textual analysis with extensive interviews of the people who create, post and share animal media, including TikTok influencers seeking to make their pets famous, activists tweeting about wildlife conservation, and Redditors upvoting every cute cat photo. The Internet is for Cats will leave you with a new appreciation for the human social practices behind the animal images you encounter online.

Author : Adrienne Evans,Sarah Riley
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 174 pages
File Size : 51,7 Mb
Release : 2023-03-03
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9783031235627

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Digital Feeling by Adrienne Evans,Sarah Riley Pdf

This book offers a trailblazing account of postfeminist sensibility as a digital feeling that shapes how we understand the world around us. It explores how we feel in a world where the digital has become intertwined with our intimate relationships to ourselves and to others. The book develops a novel approach that draws on feminist theories of affect, emotion, and structures of feeling, to analyse the entanglements of the digital and the non-digital, and the public and the private, and to show how good feeling shapes a contemporary moment that often leads us back to normativity and reproduces systemic inequality. This is achieved through several different digital media spheres, including: the Instagram account Barbie Savior, #fitspo content, TikTok influencers and their Get Ready With Me videos, the archive of hot men on TubeCrush, and the intimacies of the internet cat, suggesting that each offers a snapshot of our current emotional landscapes.

Author : Stefan Herbrechter,Ivan Callus,Manuela Rossini,Marija Grech,Megen de Bruin-Molé,Christopher John Müller
Publisher : Springer Nature
Page : 1233 pages
File Size : 41,8 Mb
Release : 2022-11-28
Category : Literary Criticism
ISBN : 9783031049583

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Palgrave Handbook of Critical Posthumanism by Stefan Herbrechter,Ivan Callus,Manuela Rossini,Marija Grech,Megen de Bruin-Molé,Christopher John Müller Pdf

Palgrave Handbook of Critical Posthumanism is a major reference work on the paradigm emerging from the challenges to humanism, humanity, and the human posed by the erosion of the traditional demarcations between the human and nonhuman. This handbook surveys and speculates on the ways in which the posthumanist paradigm emerged, transformed, and might further develop across the humanities. With its focus on the posthuman as a figure, on posthumanism as a social discourse, and on posthumanisation as an on-going historical and ontological process, the volume highlights the relationship between the humanities and sciences. The essays engage with posthumanism in connection with subfields like the environmental humanities, health humanities, animal studies, and disability studies. The book also traces the historical representations and understanding of posthumanism across time. Additionally, the contributions address genre and forms such as autobiography, games, art, film, museums, and topics such as climate change, speciesism, anthropocentrism, and biopolitics to name a few. This handbook considers posthumanism’s impact across disciplines and areas of study.

Author : Janet Abbate,Stephanie Dick
Publisher : JHU Press
Page : 473 pages
File Size : 43,6 Mb
Release : 2022-08-30
Category : Technology & Engineering
ISBN : 9781421444383

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Abstractions and Embodiments by Janet Abbate,Stephanie Dick Pdf

Cutting-edge historians explore ideas, communities, and technologies around modern computing to explore how computers mediate social relations. Computers have been framed both as a mirror for the human mind and as an irreducible other that humanness is defined against, depending on different historical definitions of "humanness." They can serve both liberation and control because some people's freedom has historically been predicated on controlling others. Historians of computing return again and again to these contradictions, as they often reveal deeper structures. Using twin frameworks of abstraction and embodiment, a reformulation of the old mind-body dichotomy, this anthology examines how social relations are enacted in and through computing. The authors examining "Abstraction" revisit central concepts in computing, including "algorithm," "program," "clone," and "risk." In doing so, they demonstrate how the meanings of these terms reflect power relations and social identities. The section on "Embodiments" focuses on sensory aspects of using computers as well as the ways in which gender, race, and other identities have shaped the opportunities and embodied experiences of computer workers and users. Offering a rich and diverse set of studies in new areas, the book explores such disparate themes as disability, the influence of the punk movement, working mothers as technical innovators, and gaming behind the Iron Curtain. Abstractions and Embodiments reimagines computing history by questioning canonical interpretations, foregrounding new actors and contexts, and highlighting neglected aspects of computing as an embodied experience. It makes the profound case that both technology and the body are culturally shaped and that there can be no clear distinction between social, intellectual, and technical aspects of computing. Contributors: Janet Abbate, Marc Aidinoff, Troy Kaighin Astarte, Ekaterina Babinsteva, André Brock, Maarten Bullynck, Jiahui Chan, Gerardo Con Diaz, Liesbeth De Mol, Stephanie Dick, Kelcey Gibbons, Elyse Graham, Michael J. Halvorson, Mar Hicks, Scott Kushner, Xiaochang Li, Zachary Loeb, Lisa Nakamura, Tiffany Nichols, Laine Nooney, Elizabeth Petrick, Cierra Robson, Hallam Stevens, Jaroslav Švelch

Author : A. L. McClanan
Publisher : Reaktion Books
Page : 392 pages
File Size : 44,7 Mb
Release : 2024-06-05
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781789148862

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Griffinology by A. L. McClanan Pdf

Feathered with illustrations, a deep dive into the meaning of this half-lion, half-bird creature over millennia of human history. Griffinology is a fascinating exploration of the mythical creature’s many depictions in human culture. Drawing on a wealth of historical and literary sources, this book shows how the griffin has captured the imagination of people for over five thousand years, representing power, transcendence, and even divinity. It explores the history and symbolism of griffins in art, from their appearances in ancient Egyptian magic wands to medieval bestiaries, and from medieval coats of arms to modern corporate logos. The use of the griffin as a symbol of power and protection is surveyed throughout history and into modern times, such as in the Harry Potter series. Beautifully illustrated, this book should appeal to all those interested in monsters, magic, and the mystical, as well as art and history.

Author : Salvatore Attardo
Publisher : Anthem Press
Page : 234 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 2023-08-15
Category : Humor
ISBN : 9781839988578

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Humor 2.0 by Salvatore Attardo Pdf

The book shows how humor has changed since the advent of the internet: new genres, new contexts, and new audiences. The book provides a guide to such phenomena as memes, video parodies, photobombing, and cringe humor. Included are also in-depth discussions of the humor in phenomena such as Dogecoin, the joke currency, and the use of humor by the alt-right. It also shows how the cognitive mechanisms of humor remain unchanged. Written by a well-known specialist in humor studies, the book is engaging and readable, but also based on extensive scholarship.

Author : Edith Podhovnik
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 359 pages
File Size : 46,9 Mb
Release : 2023-03-31
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9781108843492

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Purrieties of Language by Edith Podhovnik Pdf

A fun entrance point to linguistics, this accessible book uses online cat discourse to introduce a wide range of concepts.

Author : Kenneth L. Pike
Publisher : Walter de Gruyter GmbH & Co KG
Page : 768 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2015-03-10
Category : Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN : 9783111657158

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Language in Relation to a Unified Theory of the Structure of Human Behavior by Kenneth L. Pike Pdf

Author : Marcus Brighton
Publisher : Independently Published
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 54,9 Mb
Release : 2024-01-30
Category : Humor
ISBN : 9798877939837

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The Conspiracy Theories of Cats by Marcus Brighton Pdf

Delve into the intriguing world of feline conspiracy theories with "The Conspiracy Theories of Cats: Unraveling the Mysteries of Feline Whisker Society." This captivating exploration uncovers the secrets, prophecies, and clandestine activities surrounding our feline companions, revealing a world that has remained hidden from human eyes for centuries. The Origins of Feline Whisker Society: Discover the ancient roots of the enigmatic Feline Whisker Society, a secretive organization that has guided cats through the ages. The Ancient Prophecies Surrounding Cats: Explore prophecies that foretell the destiny of cats, shedding light on their mysterious and often misunderstood behaviors. The Secret Communication Methods of Cats: Uncover the covert ways in which cats communicate with each other, leaving us mere humans blissfully unaware of their intricate language. The Hidden Agenda of Cat Naps: Dive into the realm of cat naps and unveil the true purpose behind these seemingly innocent moments of feline repose. The Role of Catnip in Cat Conspiracies: Examine the suspicious connection between catnip and the secret agendas of cats, as we unravel the mysteries of this potent herb. The Connection Between Cats and Ancient Egypt: Unearth the historical ties between cats and Ancient Egypt, exploring the revered status cats held in this ancient civilization. The Underground Network of Cat Spies: Enter the shadowy world of cat spies and covert operations, as we expose the clandestine activities of our feline friends. The Mystery of Cat Telepathy: Peer into the inexplicable phenomenon of cat telepathy, questioning whether our feline companions possess psychic abilities. The Illuminati of the Feline World: Reveal the existence of the feline Illuminati, a secretive group believed to influence the course of cat history. The Enigma of Cat Stares: Decipher the significance behind the intense stares of cats, unraveling the secrets hidden within their piercing eyes. The Truth Behind Cat Hairballs: Examine the curious world of cat hairballs, questioning whether they hold a deeper meaning in the grand scheme of feline conspiracies. The Significance of Cat Purring: Decode the language of cat purring, unveiling the hidden messages embedded within this soothing sound. The Role of Cats in Alien Encounters: Contemplate the connection between cats and extraterrestrial beings, exploring the role our feline friends play in mysterious alien encounters. The Conspiracy of Cats Controlling Humans: Confront the unsettling theory that cats may be manipulating human behavior, leading us to question who truly holds the leash. The Cat Rebellion: Myth or Reality?: Delve into the ultimate conspiracy - the potential uprising of cats against their human overlords. Separate fact from fiction in the grand tale of the Cat Rebellion. Embark on a journey that challenges your perception of the feline world. "The Conspiracy Theories of Cats" is a must-read for cat enthusiasts, conspiracy theorists, and anyone curious enough to unveil the secrets behind the whiskers. Prepare to be whisked away into a world where curiosity didn't just kill the cat; it led to the revelation of a lifetime.

Author : Paul Halpern
Publisher : Basic Books
Page : 282 pages
File Size : 49,8 Mb
Release : 2015-04-14
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780465040650

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Einstein's Dice and Schrödinger's Cat by Paul Halpern Pdf

"A fascinating and thought-provoking story, one that sheds light on the origins of . . . the current challenging situation in physics." -- Wall Street Journal When the fuzzy indeterminacy of quantum mechanics overthrew the orderly world of Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein and Erwin Schröger were at the forefront of the revolution. Neither man was ever satisfied with the standard interpretation of quantum mechanics, however, and both rebelled against what they considered the most preposterous aspect of quantum mechanics: its randomness. Einstein famously quipped that God does not play dice with the universe, and Schröger constructed his famous fable of a cat that was neither alive nor dead not to explain quantum mechanics but to highlight the apparent absurdity of a theory gone wrong. But these two giants did more than just criticize: they fought back, seeking a Theory of Everything that would make the universe seem sensible again. In Einstein's Dice and Schröger's Cat, physicist Paul Halpern tells the little-known story of how Einstein and Schröger searched, first as collaborators and then as competitors, for a theory that transcended quantum weirdness. This story of their quest-which ultimately failed-provides readers with new insights into the history of physics and the lives and work of two scientists whose obsessions drove its progress. Today, much of modern physics remains focused on the search for a Theory of Everything. As Halpern explains, the recent discovery of the Higgs Boson makes the Standard Model-the closest thing we have to a unified theory- nearly complete. And while Einstein and Schröger failed in their attempt to explain everything in the cosmos through pure geometry, the development of string theory has, in its own quantum way, brought this idea back into vogue. As in so many things, even when they were wrong, Einstein and Schröger couldn't help but get a great deal right.

Author : Kenneth Lee Pike
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 794 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 1967
Category : Human behavior
ISBN : UOM:39015008393749

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Language in Relation to a Unified Theory of the Structure of Human Behavior by Kenneth Lee Pike Pdf

Author : Jonathan W. Thurston-Torres
Publisher : MSU Press
Page : 430 pages
File Size : 47,8 Mb
Release : 2023-02-01
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9781628954838

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Animals and Race by Jonathan W. Thurston-Torres Pdf

The intersection of race and species has a long and problematic history. Western thinking specifically has demonstrated a societal need to try to conceive of race as a purely biological fact rather than a social construct. This book is an academic-activist challenge to that instinct, prioritizing anti-racism in its observation of the animal–race intersection. Too often, as Bénédicte Boisseron has indicated, this intersection typically appears in the form of animal activists instrumentalizing racial discrimination as a vehicle to approach animal rights. But why does this intersection exist, and, perhaps more importantly, how can we challenge it moving forward? This volume examines those two critical questions, taking an interdisciplinary approach in moving across subjects including art history, film studies, American history, and digital media analysis. Our interpretation of animals has, for centuries, been fundamental in the development of Western race thinking. This collection of essays looks at how this perspective contributes to the construction of racial discrimination, prioritizing ways to read the animal in our culture as a means for working to dismantle this conception.

Author : Mark M
Publisher : Lulu.com
Page : 281 pages
File Size : 40,6 Mb
Release : 2024-05-04
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 9781326464622

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Cats Claw by Mark M Pdf

Author : Robin Wood
Publisher : Livingtree Books
Page : 128 pages
File Size : 46,8 Mb
Release : 2000-08-01
Category : Electronic
ISBN : 0965298426

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The Theory of Cat Gravity by Robin Wood Pdf

"This is the Theory of Cat Gravity, which is my Pet Theory..." An illustrated romp through Faux Science, which explains through things "everyone knows" how cats are ultimately responsible for Gravity.