This horse pretends to be dead every time someone tries to ride it Banterman SaddleBanter I had a girlfriend like that
The image is a meme that features a photo of a horse lying on the ground with its tongue sticking out and eyes partly open, giving it the appearance of feigning death. Above the photo is a caption that reads, "This horse pretends to be dead every time someone tries to ride it." Below the photo is another caption attributed to a social media user named "Banterman," which says, "I had a girlfriend like that."
The humor in the meme relies on a couple of factors. First is the unexpected behavior of the horse. Horses are usually seen as strong and majestic creatures that are often ridden by people, and the idea of one playing dead to avoid being ridden is anthropomorphic and whimsical. It suggests a level of cleverness and stubbornness that isn't typically associated with horses, as these traits are more human-like.
The second layer of the joke comes from the response by "Banterman," which personifies the horse’s behavior by comparing it to a human relationship. The parallel drawn between the horse's antics and a human's aversion to participation in a totally unrelated activity exaggerates the perceived absurdity of the situation and creates an absurd and humorous comparison.
It's important to note that the humor in the response may be considered in bad taste by some, as it makes a joke at the expense of past relationships and could be interpreted differently depending on personal experiences and sensibilities.
The visual element of the horse lying down, which might typically elicit concern (as horses lying flat can sometimes indicate illness or distress), is subverted by the caption, creating a juxtaposition of what is expected versus what is presented. This incongruity is a common mechanism in creating humor.
Lastly, the meme's humor might also stem from the shared human experience of trying to avoid unpleasant tasks. People often relate to the idea of going to comedic lengths to get out of situations they don't enjoy, and the horse in this image becomes an exaggerated metaphor for that relatable desire. This horse pretends to be dead every time someone tries to ride it Banterman SaddleBanter I had a girlfriend like that
