ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the types of visual arguments offered for and against the idea of clicktivism for expressing solidarity in the tragedies. It offers that individuals arguing against expressions of solidarity utilize the same channels and participate in a performative contradiction marked with a sarcastic style that stems from the cultural norms often found within digital spaces. By examining those norms and style, the chapter argues that logical argumentation does not inform their postings as much as playful remixing and memetic styling do. The performance of visual argument in response to the terrorist attacks falls within the larger context of the networked public sphere and digital culture. However, re-reading the anti-memes through the lens of digital culture may account for the performative contradiction. Within networked cultures and public spheres, the fragmentation of discourse leads to a fundamental rethinking of discursive and performative rationality.
