Draft:Dogeism

``` Dogeism

Overview

Dogeism is an emerging internet-based religion or belief system that has gained traction alongside the popular internet meme "Doge." It revolves around the worship, adoration, and reverence of the Shiba Inu dog breed, particularly as depicted in the Doge meme. Dogeism has garnered a following primarily within online communities and social media platforms, where adherents engage in rituals, share memes, and express devotion to the iconic Doge image.

History

The roots of Dogeism can be traced back to the early 2010s with the explosion of the Doge meme across various online platforms. The meme, characterized by a photograph of a Shiba Inu dog accompanied by humorous, broken English captions in Comic Sans font, quickly captured the attention of internet users worldwide. Inspired by the absurdity and charm of the Doge meme, individuals began to humorously elevate the Shiba Inu to a quasi-divine or spiritual status, laying the foundation for what would later become Dogeism.

Beliefs and Practices

Doge as a Divine Figure

At the core of Dogeism is the veneration of the Shiba Inu depicted in the Doge meme as a divine figure or deity. Adherents of Dogeism express reverence and devotion to the Doge image, viewing it as a symbol of joy, positivity, and internet culture. Rituals and prayers centered around the Doge meme may include offerings of memes, recitations of Doge-inspired poetry, or acts of kindness performed in the name of the Doge.

Comic Sans and Broken English

Central to Dogeism is the incorporation of Comic Sans font and broken English captions, hallmarks of the original Doge meme, into religious practice. Followers of Dogeism often use these elements in rituals, texts, and online interactions as a means of paying homage to the meme's origins and maintaining the humor and irreverence that define Dogeism.

Internet Culture and Humor

Dogeism embraces internet culture and humor as integral components of its belief system. Adherents engage in activities such as meme-sharing, trolling, and online humor as expressions of their Dogeist identity. This blending of internet culture with religious practice reflects the influence of digital spaces on contemporary spirituality and identity formation.

Community and Online Presence

Dogeism thrives within online communities and social media platforms, where followers gather to discuss Dogeist beliefs, share memes, and participate in digital rituals. Dedicated Dogeist forums, subreddits, Discord servers, and websites such as dogeism.us serve as virtual gathering places for Dogeists around the world. These online spaces foster a sense of community and belonging among followers, facilitating the exchange of ideas, experiences, and Dogeist culture.

Reception and Criticism

The reception of Dogeism varies widely, with some viewing it as a lighthearted and harmless expression of internet culture, while others criticize it as trivial or disrespectful to traditional religious beliefs. Scholars and commentators have analyzed Dogeism as a phenomenon that reflects the evolving relationship between internet culture, spirituality, and identity. Dogeism's status as a meme religion raises questions about the nature of belief, the boundaries of religious expression, and the role of humor in contemporary religious movements.

Notable Figures and Events

Notable Dogeists


 * Doge Pope: A fictional figure within Dogeism who is humorously depicted as the leader of the Dogeist faith.
 * Doge Prophets: Internet users who have contributed to the spread and development of Dogeism through memes, artwork, and online discourse.

Dogeist Holidays and Festivals


 * Doge Day: A celebratory event held annually by Dogeists on April 20th (4/20), featuring meme-sharing, digital gatherings, and acts of kindness inspired by the Doge meme.

External Links

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 * Official Dogeism Website: The official website of Dogeism, offering resources, community forums, and information about Dogeist beliefs and practices.