The only person I ll refer to as they them
The image depicts what appears to be a digitally altered photograph of a person with two heads. The individual has one body but two distinct faces, each with its own expression. One of the faces seems to be smiling and looking to the side, while the other appears to be caught mid-sentence, mouth open and eyes gazing off into the distance. The editing work has seamlessly blended the neck area to make it look as though this two-headed person could feasibly exist.
Above the image, there is a caption that states, "The only person I’ll refer to as 'they/them'." This caption is a play on words related to the use of gender-neutral pronouns. "They/them" is often used by individuals who identify as nonbinary or when the gender of a person is unknown or not revealed. The humor here arises from taking the pronoun usage quite literally — as the image shows a person who, if real, might reasonably be referred to with plural pronouns due to having two heads.
The joke behind the caption relies on societal discussions around respecting individuals' pronoun preferences. It pokes fun at the sometimes contentious debates over gender and identity by presenting a whimsical, impossible scenario where someone may physically embody plurality, thus justifying the 'they/them' reference in a very literal sense.
This image might be found amusing to some as it juxtaposes serious conversations around gender identities with an absurd and fictional visual. It uses shock value and surrealist humor by presenting an image that is both startling and implausible, thus creating a moment of cognitive dissonance where the viewer must reconcile the serious topic with the whimsical approach.
In the broader context of internet memes and humor, this image is an example of how complex social topics are often distilled into simple, surreal, or satirical pieces. The comedic effect often hinges on surprise, exaggeration, or the subversion of expectations — in this case, the expectation being that the term "they/them" usually refers to a single person rather than a conjoined entity.
It is important to note, however, that while some might find humor in the lighthearted play on pronouns, others may consider it insensitive, as it makes light of serious matters regarding gender identity. As with all humor, the reception to this image can be subjective and varied, with different individuals responding to it in different ways based on their perspectives and experiences. The only person I ll refer to as they them
