War is when your government tells you who the enemy is Revolution is when you figure it out for yourself Until we meet again
The image presented is a three-panel meme featuring a character commonly known as Skeletor from the classic 1980s cartoon series "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe." In the first panel, Skeletor is seated in a carefree, almost flamboyant pose, with his purple hood and attire, which adds a comedic element given that he is traditionally a villain. The accompanying text reads, "War is when your government tells you who the enemy is."
The second panel continues with the same character now standing upright and pointing forward as if having an epiphany or delivering a profound statement. The text here reads, "Revolution is when you figure it out for yourself." This gives the impression that Skeletor, known for his evil plans and aspirations for power, is ironically espousing a message about self-awareness and empowerment against authority.
The third panel provides a conclusion to the sequence with Skeletor seemingly walking away into the darkness with a confident stride. The words "Until we meet again" float at the bottom, suggesting a temporary farewell. The format implies Skeletor has imparted some dubious wisdom and is now exiting the scene in a dramatic fashion.
The humor in this meme derives from several factors. Firstly, there's the juxtaposition of a cartoon villain from an era known for its black-and-white morality using contemporary political vernacular, effectively turning a simple character into a commentator on socio-political matters. This contrast can be unexpectedly humorous as it deviates from Skeletor’s usual role.
Secondly, combining serious political themes with an exaggerated cartoonish expression borders on satire. It pokes fun at grandiose proclamations about complex subjects such as war and revolution, reducing them to simplistic statements that one might expect from a children's show antagonist.
Lastly, the meme capitalizes on the nostalgia and affection for the campy nature of '80s cartoons and their iconic characters. By reimagining Skeletor in this way, it can elicit smiles from those who remember him from their childhood, while also reaching those who enjoy Internet culture's habit of repurposing classic media for modern comedic expression. War is when your government tells you who the enemy is Revolution is when you figure it out for yourself Until we meet again
