If Pompeii happened today
This image presents a modern-day comedic interpretation of what a victim of a Pompeii-like disaster might look like if it occurred in contemporary times. It shows a figure that appears to be entombed in ash or plaster, similar to the bodies found in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii after it was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The figure is portrayed in a seated position on the floor, leaning against a wall, with their legs stretched out in front of them.
The figure is holding a modern selfie stick with a phone attached to it, raised at an angle that suggests the individual was taking a selfie at the moment the disaster struck. This is an anachronistic element that injects humor into the otherwise tragic concept of being preserved in the midst of a volcanic eruption, as selfie sticks are a ubiquitous symbol of contemporary life and our culture's focus on documenting every moment through social media.
The clothing on the figure appears to be modern as well, with what resembles a sweatshirt and sweatpants, adding to the incongruity between the ancient nature of a volcanic disaster and today's casual attire. The casualness of the clothes juxtaposed with the catastrophic event further adds to the humor because it emphasizes the nonchalant attitude often attributed to social media users, who might be more concerned with capturing the moment than recognizing the seriousness of the situation.
The setting in which the figure is situated includes a wall with a modern vent and a wooden floor, reinforcing the present-day context of the image. This contrasts sharply with the historical context of Pompeii, adding to the surreal and humorous aspect of the interpretation. It suggests that if a Pompeii-like event were to happen today, it would occur amidst our contemporary surroundings and daily life, capturing a moment of mundane modernity frozen in time.
The caption "If Pompeii happened today" serves as the punchline of the joke, highlighting the absurdity of fusing a catastrophic event from ancient history with the technology-obsessed and selfie-centric habits of the present day. It plays on the viewer's knowledge of both history and modern trends, creating a juxtaposition that is stark and ridiculous in equal measure.
The humor in the image can be appreciated as a form of satire or commentary on current society and its obsessions. It cleverly conveys that despite significant advancements in technology and changes in culture, the essence of human behavior — the desire to capture and share experiences — remains a constant, even hypothetically in the face of imminent danger. The image might be funny to people because it portrays this characteristic in an exaggerated and improbable scenario, tapping into a certain dark humor around the idea of being caught in our vanity at the least opportune moment. If Pompeii happened today
