If you are connected to the internet and don't live under a rock, a fair share of Shweta memes would have graced your social media timeline as well. As it did mine. Trust us to find amusement in the most random things we stumble upon. In this case, a girl named Shweta and the exploits of a boy she narrated to a friend, unwittingly with her Zoom mic on.
Those secrets, which courtesy Shweta, unfortunately, reached the ears of a 111-strong audience connected to that Zoom call have now been relayed to the entire world. Hundreds upon thousands of memes have emerged, some carrying the facepalm sentiment, others imploring Shweta to complete her story. Gossip is a vice that gets the better of the best of us.
It began as all fun and games. But has taken a sharp turn into something that's hard to fully appreciate. First, with brands and labels capitalising on Shweta memes, innocent humour has been made murky with content that's almost distasteful. And second, this fiasco threatens the strengthening of the distrustful-woman-who-can't-stomach-secrets stereotype.
Shweta Memes: Are We Taking It Too Far?
Much of the content being delivered by Shweta memes is noticeably devoid of malice. As they should be, since this is not the first Zoom call gone wrong. Through the pandemic, video calls, prone to human error, have been the gift that just kept giving. From the wife who tried to kiss her husband mid-call to the little kids who ">took over class when their teacher dropped off.
Many such mishaps have come and gone, but not without bringing netizens some much-needed delight in these bleak times. But when something harmless - that connects millions with a thread of hopeful humour - turns ugly, what do we make of it?
Which is what's happening with the Shweta trend right now. Out of all Shweta memes, one that's prominently drawing flak is marketing by a condom brand that reads, "Dear Shweta, you can't stop? Neither can we," making the innuendo of longevity in bed with their product.
Is it ethical for a brand to make sexual insinuations out of a private conversation? Plastering her name in context of a product that carries social baggage: isn't that poking fun at the expense of her identity?
What's worse is that the ad, and other memes like this, are focused on sexualising the woman herself, instead of weighing in on the gaffe. Must brands not exercise restraint and responsibility when partaking in online trends?
Here are some reactions from social media users:
Time To Tone Down On The Shweta Memes?
Brands aside, even regular conversation between social media users is veering towards pegging this Shweta - and by extension other women like her - as a culprit ready to rat on others. But before we pass judgment, on whether her telling of private secrets to a third person was right or not, have we taken a moment to reflect on ourselves?
Haven't we all at some point in life, either accidentally or not, passed explosive revelations around through our grapevines? Does it then justify the taking of a sanctimonious high ground from where Shweta's actions can be authoritatively condemned? Further, is it fair to impress upon the trope of the talkative, bitchy, unfaithful woman when the concept of gossip isn't gender-bound?
It's inevitable that, like any other trend, the Shweta one will too die out in a few days. Look how fast the pawri ho rahi hai trend became stale. But until the internet finds its next big obsession, it's probably best to turn the meter down on the unethicality surrounding this one. And anyway, Shweta must probably have switched her mic off by now.
Views expressed are the author's own.
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/2024/11/11/2024-11-11t082606806z-shethepeople-black-logo-2000-x-2000-px-1.png){kind=logo}
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/KqsW9uRQ0Fa4h57iurTt.jpg)