Curator: Prof. Elena Rostova Date: 2/25/2026 Dept: Visual Arts & Sciences

HOLDING GUN MEME

The holding gun meme has become an iconic symbol in internet culture, often used to express a range of emotions and situations. This meme typically features a person holding a gun, often with a humorous or sarcastic caption. It has evolved into a versatile tool for communication, allowing users to convey everything from anger and frustration to sarcasm and humor. The popularity of this meme can be attributed to its ability to capture a wide range of emotions and situations in a single, easily recognizable image.

The concept of the holding gun meme is closely tied to the idea of meme culture and the way in which internet users have adapted and repurposed images to create new forms of expression. It has also sparked discussions about the responsible use of imagery and the potential impact of such memes on public perception and behavior. Despite the controversy, the holding gun meme continues to be a popular and influential part of online communication, offering a unique and often humorous perspective on various topics.

One of the key benefits of the holding gun meme is its versatility and adaptability. This meme can be used in a variety of contexts, from political satire to personal expressions of frustration, making it a powerful tool for communication and self-expression. Its enduring popularity highlights the creativity and resourcefulness of internet users in finding new ways to convey their thoughts and emotions through visual media.

Supplementary Figures

Fig 1. Kid Crying

A young woman, with a mischievous smile, points a toy gun at the camera. The background is a colorful, whimsical garden, adding a playful twist. This could be a humorous take on a 'gunslinging' theme.

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Fig 2. Gambia Man

A vintage-style illustration of a cowboy, dressed in a dapper suit, aiming a revolver. The scene is set in a dusty, wild-west town, evoking a sense of nostalgia. Ideal for a meme about classic Western adventures.

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Fig 3. Martin Truex

A close-up of a hand holding a sniper rifle, with a serious, focused gaze. The image is in a dark, forest setting, emphasizing the intensity. Perfect for a military or survival meme.

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Fig 4. Green screen

A group of friends, dressed in medieval attire, brandish swords and a pistol. The background is a fantasy castle, creating a fun, historical twist. A meme about medieval adventures and humor.

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Fig 5. Anime Characters

A man in a business suit, with a confident smile, holds a pistol in one hand and a briefcase in the other. The office setting adds a modern, corporate twist. Could be used for a 'business' or 'action' meme.

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Fig 6. Right Hand

A child, dressed as a pirate, points a toy gun at a treasure chest. The background is a pirate ship, with a sunny, tropical scene. A fun, family-friendly meme idea.

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Fig 7. Hand Out

A superhero, with a bright, colorful costume, holds a powerful energy gun. The cityscape is vibrant and futuristic. This could be a meme about a modern, heroic adventure.

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Fig 8. Transparent Background

A woman, dressed in a stylish trench coat, aims a pistol at a target. The image is in a snowy, winter setting, adding a cold, mysterious feel. A potential meme for a thriller or action scene.

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Fig 9. People Poses

A close-up of a hand, with a finger on the trigger, holding a revolver. The background is a blurred, smoky room, creating a sense of tension. Ideal for a suspenseful meme.

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Fig 10. Charles Leclerc

A group of friends, dressed in 1920s flapper and gangster attire, holding guns. The speakeasy setting adds a vintage, jazz-age charm. A fun, historical meme idea.

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Fig 11. Mac Cheese

A superhero, with a dark, mysterious costume, holds a silent pistol. The city at night adds a sense of danger. A meme about a stealthy, covert hero.

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Fig 12. Smiling Cat

A man, dressed in a safari outfit, aims a rifle at a wild animal. The African landscape is detailed and vibrant. A potential meme for a wildlife or adventure theme.

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Fig 13. Emo Kid

A close-up of a hand, with a pistol, in a futuristic, cyberpunk setting. The image is in a neon-lit city, adding a sci-fi twist. A meme about a modern, tech-savvy hero.

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Fig 14. Anime Boy

A woman, dressed in a pirate costume, holds a cutlass and a pistol. The pirate ship is set against a stormy sea. A fun, swashbuckling meme idea.

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Fig 15. Soldier Head Down

A superhero, with a bright, colorful costume, holds a laser gun. The cityscape is modern and clean. A meme about a futuristic, eco-friendly hero.

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Fig 16. Reduce Stress

A man, dressed in a business suit, aims a pistol at a target. The office setting is transformed into a medieval arena, adding a unique twist. A meme about a corporate hero.

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Fig 17. Left Hand

A child, dressed as a knight, holds a sword and a pistol. The medieval castle is a fun, imaginative setting. A family-friendly meme about fantasy adventures.

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Fig 18. Chapulin Colorado

A close-up of a hand, with a finger on the trigger, holding a sniper rifle. The image is in a desert, with a strong, isolated feel. A potential meme for a survival or military theme.

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Fig 19. Grinch Mask

A group of friends, dressed in 1950s rock 'n' roll attire, hold guitars and a pistol. The diner setting adds a retro, fun vibe. A meme about music and humor.

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Fig 20. Pavitr Prabhakar

A superhero, with a dark, stealthy costume, holds a silent pistol. The city at night is a dark, mysterious setting. A meme about a covert, stealth hero.

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Fig 21. Desktop PC

A woman, dressed in a stylish, vintage outfit, aims a revolver. The 1940s setting adds a classic, elegant feel. A potential meme for a historical, fashion-themed adventure.

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Fig 22. Jesse Pinkman

A close-up of a hand, with a pistol, in a futuristic, neon-lit city. The image is detailed and vibrant, adding a sci-fi twist. A meme about a modern, tech-savvy hero.

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Fig 23. Anime Characters

A man, dressed in a safari outfit, holds a rifle. The African landscape is a detailed, natural setting. A potential meme for a wildlife or adventure theme.

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Fig 24. Licorice Cookie

A group of friends, dressed in medieval attire, hold swords and a pistol. The castle setting is a fun, historical twist. A meme about medieval adventures and humor.

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Fig 25. Deep Fry

A superhero, with a colorful, vibrant costume, holds a powerful energy gun. The cityscape is modern and futuristic. A meme about a modern, heroic adventure.

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Fig 26. Green screen

A woman, dressed in a stylish trench coat, aims a pistol. The winter setting adds a cold, mysterious feel. A potential meme for a thriller or action scene.

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Fig 27. Step One

A close-up of a hand, with a finger on the trigger, holding a revolver. The background is a blurred, smoky room, creating a sense of tension. Ideal for a suspenseful meme.

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