There are plenty of stereotypes about Eastern Europe—like the obsession with pickles, superstitious grandmas, and never-ending family gatherings. But some of these clichés are hilarious because they’re actually true. And if you want proof, just head over to the Facebook page ‘Babushka.’ There, you’ll find memes that perfectly capture these everyday Eastern European realities. We’ve gathered some of their funniest posts—scroll down to see for yourself and upvote your favorites! But don’t be fooled; this page isn’t just about grandmas. It’s full of relatable memes that perfectly capture what it’s like to live and grow up in Eastern Europe (and yes, that includes Babushka insisting you eat more, no matter how full you are). Memes can convey complex ideas and emotions, especially when they resonate with a specific group. This is particularly true for Eastern European memes, which bring people together through unique experiences and cultural references. “Niche memes are not meant to go viral,” says Idil Galip, a lecturer in new media and digital culture at the University of Amsterdam and founder of the Meme Studies Research Network. “They’re meant usually to create things like in-group belonging, something that kind of strengthens a sense of identity.” When it comes to belonging to a meme-subculture—relating to a very specific community—Gerbaudo explains that if you’re looking at a meme and “you get through the kind of enigma or mystery around that at face value,” you are likely part of the group it’s aimed at. “You understand [the] language, you understand the assumptions of the group,” he says. For instance, one study found that satirical memes on Moroccan Facebook pages, which were labeled as “just for fun” or “entertainment,” actually sparked subversive political discussions about the monarchy and encouraged people to get involved in politics. “If you’re a vulnerable person, and you find someone or a group of people who share your views, you immediately feel a sense of belonging, and that kind of adds strength to your beliefs,” explains forensic psychiatrist Reena Panchal. Follow Bored Panda on Google News! Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda! Please use high-res photos without watermarks Ooops! Your image is too large, maximum file size is 8 MB.
