"Understanding Patriarchy" by bell hooks
"When
my older brother and I were born with a year
separating us in age, patriarchy determined how
we would each be regarded by our parents."
This line hit home as I started to compare it to my own life. I have 2 sisters, one older and one younger, all 2 years apart. Thinking back into our younger years I realize that there were certain decisions my parents made that were definitely biased due to the gender difference. Whether it was by which chores we were assigned or the extracurricular activities we took part of. I was pushed into sports and allowed extra privilege's outside of school, while it was my sister's duties to stay in with my mother and grandmother to assist in household chores.
"Few men brutally abused as boys in the
name of patriarchal maleness courageously resist
the brainwashing and remain true to themselves."
After reflecting on this part of the passage I tend to disagree, based on those I've interacted with. Being in the military, in a leadership position, I got to see and learn about many people from many walks of life. When my soldiers felt comfortable to open up about themselves with me, those that were exposed to abuse from their parents were more likely to claim that they "would never treat their own blood like that", and they they wanted to change the generational "hand me down" of this false sense of masculinity.
"What Memes Owe to Art History" by Artsy
"...memes are hardwired with an unpredictability and a “hackable” interface or template that can be easily appropriated and overwritten—anyone can make a meme."
I feel like this is a very important part of what makes memes so powerful. It just takes one idea to spark the creation of something that can and will be passed around the internet. It has the potential to get your message spread globally. The ease of access and ability to create memes makes it a welcoming platform for a voice to be heard.
"Through humor, memes incite a collective reaction to everyday life as well as reveling in it, in a format no less playful than it is political, decoding the murky structural screw-ups, paradoxes, and hypocrisies of our current political climate."
I believe that humor is a big part of why a meme can be such a powerful platform for activism. Many people do not want to think and dwell on the doom and gloom of the world around them. Through a meme, it can be brought up in a light hearted way without losing the meaning behind it. It strikes thought in those that normally would shy away from strong topics.
"Memes Are Our Generation's Protest Art" by VICE
"Simple to make and simpler to distribute, they can communicate a stance or message at a glance and express the same feelings experts say are behind conventional protest art."
As with the previous passage, I believe this is a huge driving point for what makes memes so effective. The ease of use and ability to convey a message quickly is a big appeal to the usage of memes.
"...what shines through—beyond the sense of play—is indignation, the amusement of ridiculing powerful figures, and the comfort that comes from collective coping."
Reflecting on this, I believe that this is a powerful point in today's day and age. Many people have the fear of direct conflict which deters them from speaking up. With the ability to make their points, and with the guise of anonymity on the internet, they are more likely to be able to come to terms with what they want to say. It makes for a platform that more voices can be heard. 
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