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Manuele Pepe. "Shadilay." ''P.E.P.E.'' Magic Sound/Dischi Ricordi, 1986. |
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'''Cult of Kek''' is an [[internet meme]] and [[Western esotericism|esoteric religion]] focused on worship of the ancient Egyptian frog god of [[darkness]], [[Kek (mythology)|Kek]].<ref name="SHADILAY">{{cite web|author=Tara Isabella Burton |url=http://reallifemag.com/apocalypse-whatever/ |title=Apocalypse Whatever |publisher=Real Life Mag |date=2017-02-14 |accessdate=2017-02-24}}</ref> Worshippers view the popular meme [[Pepe the Frog]] as a modern incarnation of the deity Kek.<ref name="SHADILAY"/><ref name="auto6">{{cite web|url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/01/trump-supporters-outraged-by-slight-to-pepe-meme/|title=Trump Supporters Outraged By Slight To Pepe Meme|first=Bryan|last=Menegus|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nextquotidiano.it/perche-piccione-viola-diventato-un-meme-destra/|title=Perché il piccione viola è diventato un meme di destra - neXt QuotidianoneXt Quotidiano|date=17 February 2017|publisher=}}</ref> The religion has its origin on the internet message forum [[4chan]] and other chans, and the board [[/pol/]] in particular.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/01/24/watch-shia-labeouf-yell-at-a-troll-who-interrupted-his-new-performance-art-piece|title=Watch Shia LaBeouf Shout Down A White Supremacist Who Interrupted His New Performance Art Piece|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_gb/article/dalston-art-gallery-accused-of-promoting-fascism|title=dalston art gallery accused of promoting fascism|publisher=i-D}}</ref><ref name="SHADILAY"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/trump-supporters-and-neo-nazis-are-using-secret-chat-rooms-t|title=Trump Supporters And Neo-Nazis Are Using Secret Chatrooms To Harass Shia LaBeouf|publisher=}}</ref> Kek worship is closely associated with the [[alt-right]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/steal-show-s02e02-platform-160913/|title=Steal This Show S02E02: 'The Platform Is You' - TorrentFreak|date=14 September 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bullshit.ist/meme-magic-is-real-you-guys-16a497fc45b3 |title=Meme Magic Is Real, You Guys |publisher=Bullshit.ist |date= |accessdate=2017-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/fast-forward/363558/in-elaborate-joke-internet-provocateurs-turn-trash-bird-into-nazi-icon/|title=In Elaborate Joke, Internet Provocateurs Turn ‘Trash Bird’ Into Nazi Icon|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2017/02/cpac_invented_an_alternate_history_of_the_alt_right.html|title=Alt-Right Facts|first=Michelle|last=Goldberg|date=23 February 2017|publisher=|via=Slate}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/02/23/cpac-organizer-denounces-alt-right-as-left-wing-fascist-group/|title=Alt-right leader expelled from CPAC after organizer denounces ‘fascist group’|publisher=}}</ref> and [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.fr/story/128864/4chan-victoire-donald-trump|title=Les trolls de 4chan sont persuadés d'avoir fait élire Donald Trump|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thedailycougar.com/2016/11/02/alt-right-new-evolving-movement/|title=Alt-right is a new, evolving movement — The Cougar|first=E. J.|last=Nunez|date=2 November 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/what-alt-right-really-means-a-glossary-of-terms-201920005.html|title=What ‘alt-right’ really means: a glossary of terms|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gothamist.com/2016/12/08/daily_swastika_update_nyc_edition.php|title=More Swastikas Surface In Hell's Kitchen, Newtown Creek Nature Walk|publisher=}}</ref> The Kek religion is [[nihilistic]] in nature, with a strong focus on [[chaos]] and the [[occult]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Author M. Ambedkar |url=http://baltimore-art.com/2017/02/11/the-aesthetics-of-the-alt-right/ |title=The Aesthetics of the Alt-Right |publisher= – Post-Office Arts Journal, Baltimore |date=2017-02-11 |accessdate=2017-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.byline.com/column/58/article/1372|title=Meet 'Kek', The Alt-Right's Anti-Semitic Hate God|first=Colin|last=Cortbus|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://conversations.e-flux.com/t/queer-occult-vs-alt-right-occult/5992|title=Queer occult vs. "alt-right" occult|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://krautreporter.de/1705-alt-right-escape|title=Alt Right Escape|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agoravox.fr/tribune-libre/article/la-verite-sur-l-election-de-donald-187299|title=La vérité sur l'élection de Donald Trump, Pepe the Frog et le culte de Kek|date=7 December 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="Savitri"/> |
'''Cult of Kek''' is an [[internet meme]] and [[Western esotericism|esoteric religion]] focused on worship of the ancient Egyptian frog god of [[darkness]], [[Kek (mythology)|Kek]].<ref name="SHADILAY">{{cite web|author=Tara Isabella Burton |url=http://reallifemag.com/apocalypse-whatever/ |title=Apocalypse Whatever |publisher=Real Life Mag |date=2017-02-14 |accessdate=2017-02-24}}</ref> Worshippers view the popular meme [[Pepe the Frog]] as a modern incarnation of the deity Kek.<ref name="SHADILAY"/><ref name="auto6">{{cite web|url=https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/01/trump-supporters-outraged-by-slight-to-pepe-meme/|title=Trump Supporters Outraged By Slight To Pepe Meme|first=Bryan|last=Menegus|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nextquotidiano.it/perche-piccione-viola-diventato-un-meme-destra/|title=Perché il piccione viola è diventato un meme di destra - neXt QuotidianoneXt Quotidiano|date=17 February 2017|publisher=}}</ref> The religion has its origin on the internet message forum [[4chan]] and other chans, and the board [[/pol/]] in particular.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefader.com/2017/01/24/watch-shia-labeouf-yell-at-a-troll-who-interrupted-his-new-performance-art-piece|title=Watch Shia LaBeouf Shout Down A White Supremacist Who Interrupted His New Performance Art Piece|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://i-d.vice.com/en_gb/article/dalston-art-gallery-accused-of-promoting-fascism|title=dalston art gallery accused of promoting fascism|publisher=i-D}}</ref><ref name="SHADILAY"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/trump-supporters-and-neo-nazis-are-using-secret-chat-rooms-t|title=Trump Supporters And Neo-Nazis Are Using Secret Chatrooms To Harass Shia LaBeouf|publisher=}}</ref> Kek worship is closely associated with the [[alt-right]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://torrentfreak.com/steal-show-s02e02-platform-160913/|title=Steal This Show S02E02: 'The Platform Is You' - TorrentFreak|date=14 September 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bullshit.ist/meme-magic-is-real-you-guys-16a497fc45b3 |title=Meme Magic Is Real, You Guys |publisher=Bullshit.ist |date= |accessdate=2017-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/fast-forward/363558/in-elaborate-joke-internet-provocateurs-turn-trash-bird-into-nazi-icon/|title=In Elaborate Joke, Internet Provocateurs Turn ‘Trash Bird’ Into Nazi Icon|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.com/articles/news_and_politics/politics/2017/02/cpac_invented_an_alternate_history_of_the_alt_right.html|title=Alt-Right Facts|first=Michelle|last=Goldberg|date=23 February 2017|publisher=|via=Slate}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/02/23/cpac-organizer-denounces-alt-right-as-left-wing-fascist-group/|title=Alt-right leader expelled from CPAC after organizer denounces ‘fascist group’|publisher=}}</ref> and [[Donald Trump]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.slate.fr/story/128864/4chan-victoire-donald-trump|title=Les trolls de 4chan sont persuadés d'avoir fait élire Donald Trump|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://thedailycougar.com/2016/11/02/alt-right-new-evolving-movement/|title=Alt-right is a new, evolving movement — The Cougar|first=E. J.|last=Nunez|date=2 November 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/news/what-alt-right-really-means-a-glossary-of-terms-201920005.html|title=What ‘alt-right’ really means: a glossary of terms|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://gothamist.com/2016/12/08/daily_swastika_update_nyc_edition.php|title=More Swastikas Surface In Hell's Kitchen, Newtown Creek Nature Walk|publisher=}}</ref> The Kek religion is [[nihilistic]] in nature, with a strong focus on [[chaos]], coincidence, and the [[occult]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Author M. Ambedkar |url=http://baltimore-art.com/2017/02/11/the-aesthetics-of-the-alt-right/ |title=The Aesthetics of the Alt-Right |publisher= – Post-Office Arts Journal, Baltimore |date=2017-02-11 |accessdate=2017-02-24}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.byline.com/column/58/article/1372|title=Meet 'Kek', The Alt-Right's Anti-Semitic Hate God|first=Colin|last=Cortbus|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://conversations.e-flux.com/t/queer-occult-vs-alt-right-occult/5992|title=Queer occult vs. "alt-right" occult|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://krautreporter.de/1705-alt-right-escape|title=Alt Right Escape|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.agoravox.fr/tribune-libre/article/la-verite-sur-l-election-de-donald-187299|title=La vérité sur l'élection de Donald Trump, Pepe the Frog et le culte de Kek|date=7 December 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="Savitri"/> |
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== Origins == |
== Origins == |
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The phrase "kek" originated as a corruption of the phrase "lol" in the video game [[World of Warcraft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/donald-trump-pepe-billboards-pennsylvania/|title=Alt-right trolls Pennsylvania with billboard of Trump Pepe|date=6 October 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/4chan-facing-closure-after-running-out-money-martin-shkreli-could-be-saviour-kek-1584769|title=4Chan facing closure after running out of money, but Martin Shkreli could be the saviour of kek|first=James|last=Billington|date=4 October 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/wew-lad-meme/|title=Wew, lad: Everyone hates this meme that simply refuses to die|date=12 September 2016|publisher=}}</ref> The phrase then became associated with the Egyptian deity of the same name.<ref name="SHADILAY"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2015/12/14/mosque-arson-suspect-left-social-media-hints-anti-muslim-anti-semitic-views|title=Mosque Arson Suspect Left Social Media Hints of Anti-Muslim, Anti-Semitic Views|publisher=}}</ref> The religion references the occultism of [[Savitri Devi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/823142/writings-of-french-hindu-who-worshipped-hitler-as-an-avatar-of-vishnu-are-inspiring-the-us-alt-right|title=Writings of French Hindu who worshipped Hitler as an avatar of Vishnu are inspiring the US alt-right|first=Blake|last=Smith|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-_7zmgEACAAJ&dq|title=The Lightning and the Sun|first1=|last1=Savitri|first2=Savitri|last2=Devi|date=8 June 2015|publisher=Counter Currents Publishing, Limited|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="Savitri">{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/matt-furie-pepe-interview-efa344c50dfe|title=The campaign to save Pepe the Frog|date=4 November 2016|publisher=}}</ref> |
The phrase "kek" originated as a corruption of the phrase "lol" in the video game [[World of Warcraft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/donald-trump-pepe-billboards-pennsylvania/|title=Alt-right trolls Pennsylvania with billboard of Trump Pepe|date=6 October 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/4chan-facing-closure-after-running-out-money-martin-shkreli-could-be-saviour-kek-1584769|title=4Chan facing closure after running out of money, but Martin Shkreli could be the saviour of kek|first=James|last=Billington|date=4 October 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/wew-lad-meme/|title=Wew, lad: Everyone hates this meme that simply refuses to die|date=12 September 2016|publisher=}}</ref> The phrase then became associated with the Egyptian deity of the same name.<ref name="SHADILAY"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2015/12/14/mosque-arson-suspect-left-social-media-hints-anti-muslim-anti-semitic-views|title=Mosque Arson Suspect Left Social Media Hints of Anti-Muslim, Anti-Semitic Views|publisher=}}</ref> Intrigue was piqued when a frog statue of Kek was uncovered with an inscription on the side of a man apparently sitting at a computer. The discovery of the Italian pop single "Shadilay" by the band PEPE was seen as strong evidence of Kek's providence, as the album had a green frog with a magic wand on the record cover.<ref>Manuele Pepe. "Shadilay." ''P.E.P.E.'' Magic Sound/Dischi Ricordi, 1986.</ref><ref>http://gizmodo.com/trump-pundit-bill-mitchell-burns-his-life-down-with-pep-1790707898</ref>The [[Germanwings Flight 9525|Germanwings 4U9525 crash]] was further viewed as evidence of Kek's influence.<ref>http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3012937/Germanwings-pilot-Andreas-Lubitz-28-praised-exceptional-flying-skills-rising-star-fleet.html, retrieved 26 March 2015</ref> |
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The religion references the occultism of [[Savitri Devi]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://scroll.in/article/823142/writings-of-french-hindu-who-worshipped-hitler-as-an-avatar-of-vishnu-are-inspiring-the-us-alt-right|title=Writings of French Hindu who worshipped Hitler as an avatar of Vishnu are inspiring the US alt-right|first=Blake|last=Smith|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-_7zmgEACAAJ&dq|title=The Lightning and the Sun|first1=|last1=Savitri|first2=Savitri|last2=Devi|date=8 June 2015|publisher=Counter Currents Publishing, Limited|via=Google Books}}</ref><ref name="Savitri">{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/matt-furie-pepe-interview-efa344c50dfe|title=The campaign to save Pepe the Frog|date=4 November 2016|publisher=}}</ref> Practitioners of the cult of Kek believe that Kek's influence can be seen in fortuitous or coincidental events.<ref name="SHADILAY"/> |
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== History == |
== History == |
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During the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 United States presidential election]], Kek worship became associated with [[alt-right]] politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/in-charlottesville-gop-candidate-for-governor-corey-stewart-allies-with/article_211e1dbc-c324-5664-94d1-186aa24bb5d0.html|title=In Charlottesville, GOP candidate for governor Corey Stewart allies with alt-right-inspired blogger who wants to protect 'glorious Western civilization'|first=GRAHAM MOOMAW Richmond|last=Times-Dispatch|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="altright">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37431509|title=Naked Nigel, the God Kek and modern politics}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.vocativ.com/377958/alt-right-richard-spencer/|title=Cucks & Kek: Racism’s Old Guard Reaches Out To An Online Generation}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://mancunion.com/2016/12/01/harambe-and-the-magic-of-memes/|title=Harambe and the magic of memes}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/richard-spencer-trump-alt-right-white-nationalist|title=Meet the White Nationalist Trying To Ride The Trump Train to Lasting Power }}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/matt-furie-pepe-interview-efa344c50dfe|title=The campaign to save Pepe the Frog}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/trump-rare-pepes-rain-frogs-meme/|title=Trump supporters unleash last-minute flood of rare Pepe memes in a 'rain of frogs' }}</ref> |
During the [[United States presidential election, 2016|2016 United States presidential election]], Kek worship became associated with [[alt-right]] politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.richmond.com/news/virginia/in-charlottesville-gop-candidate-for-governor-corey-stewart-allies-with/article_211e1dbc-c324-5664-94d1-186aa24bb5d0.html|title=In Charlottesville, GOP candidate for governor Corey Stewart allies with alt-right-inspired blogger who wants to protect 'glorious Western civilization'|first=GRAHAM MOOMAW Richmond|last=Times-Dispatch|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="altright">{{cite web|url=http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-37431509|title=Naked Nigel, the God Kek and modern politics}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.vocativ.com/377958/alt-right-richard-spencer/|title=Cucks & Kek: Racism’s Old Guard Reaches Out To An Online Generation}}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{cite web|url=http://mancunion.com/2016/12/01/harambe-and-the-magic-of-memes/|title=Harambe and the magic of memes}}</ref><ref name="auto2">{{cite web|url=http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2016/10/richard-spencer-trump-alt-right-white-nationalist|title=Meet the White Nationalist Trying To Ride The Trump Train to Lasting Power }}</ref><ref name="auto3">{{cite web|url=https://thinkprogress.org/matt-furie-pepe-interview-efa344c50dfe|title=The campaign to save Pepe the Frog}}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/trump-rare-pepes-rain-frogs-meme/|title=Trump supporters unleash last-minute flood of rare Pepe memes in a 'rain of frogs' }}</ref> Kek is commonly associated with the occurrence of repeating digits, known as "dubs", on 4chan. Kek is believed to work through "meme magic", or the ability to influence reality through internet memes.<ref name="auto5"/> |
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Kek was proven definitively to exist when individuals associated with online message boards, such as [[4chan]], noted a similarity between Kek and the character [[Pepe the Frog]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/selectall/2016/05/4chan-isnt-sure-whether-its-excited-the-times-wrote-up-its-antisemitism.html|title=4chan Isn’t Sure Whether It’s Excited the Times Wrote Up Its Anti-Semitism|first=Jesse|last=Singal|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/cpacs-flirtation-with-the-alt-right-is-turning-awkward-w468748|title=CPAC's Flirtation With the Alt-Right Is Turning Awkward|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/trash-dove-purple-bird-alt-right-meme/|title=The alt-right is trying to co-opt that dumb purple bird on Facebook|date=15 February 2017|publisher=}}</ref> This resulted in a resurgence of interest of the ancient deity, exemplified by the phrase "praise Kek".<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=http://motherboard.vice.com/read/trumps-occult-online-supporters-believe-pepe-meme-magic-got-him-elected|title=Trump’s Occult Online Supporters Believe ‘Meme Magic’ Got Him Elected}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jpupdates.com/2017/01/25/alt-right-troll-sabotages-shia-laboeufs-anti-trump-project/|title=Alt-right troll sabotages Shia LaBoeuf’s anti-Trump project -|publisher= |
Kek was proven definitively to exist when individuals associated with online message boards, such as [[4chan]], noted a similarity between Kek and the character [[Pepe the Frog]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nymag.com/selectall/2016/05/4chan-isnt-sure-whether-its-excited-the-times-wrote-up-its-antisemitism.html|title=4chan Isn’t Sure Whether It’s Excited the Times Wrote Up Its Anti-Semitism|first=Jesse|last=Singal|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="auto6"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/cpacs-flirtation-with-the-alt-right-is-turning-awkward-w468748|title=CPAC's Flirtation With the Alt-Right Is Turning Awkward|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailydot.com/unclick/trash-dove-purple-bird-alt-right-meme/|title=The alt-right is trying to co-opt that dumb purple bird on Facebook|date=15 February 2017|publisher=}}</ref> This resulted in a resurgence of interest of the ancient deity, exemplified by the phrase "praise Kek".<ref name="auto5">{{cite web|url=http://motherboard.vice.com/read/trumps-occult-online-supporters-believe-pepe-meme-magic-got-him-elected|title=Trump’s Occult Online Supporters Believe ‘Meme Magic’ Got Him Elected}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://jpupdates.com/2017/01/25/alt-right-troll-sabotages-shia-laboeufs-anti-trump-project/|title=Alt-right troll sabotages Shia LaBoeuf’s anti-Trump project -|publisher=}}</ref> The phrase is widely used by Kek worshippers as a mark of their faith in the cult.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://heatst.com/tech/4chan-trolling-shia-labeoufs-anti-trump-livestream/|title=4chan Trolling Shia LaBeouf’s Anti-Trump Livestream|date=23 January 2017|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://heatst.com/entertainment/salon-frets-that-history-channels-vikings-will-be-co-opted-by-white-supremacists/|title=Salon Frets That History Channel’s ‘Vikings’ Will Be Co-Opted by White Supremacists|date=29 November 2016|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="SHADILAY"/> Kek worshippers will also occasionally refer to their god with the epitaph [[peace be upon him]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.breitbart.com/tech/2017/01/09/russian-embassy-uk-tweets-pepe-frog-meme-upsets-sjw/|title=Russian Embassy Tweets Pepe the Frog Meme, Upsets SJWs - Breitbart|date=9 January 2017|publisher=}}</ref> an indicator of the complex syncreticism involved in the faith. The number of Kek worshipers began to increase in 2016, many of whom were also part of the [[alt-right]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://jpupdates.com/2017/01/25/alt-right-troll-sabotages-shia-laboeufs-anti-trump-project/|title=Alt-right troll sabotages Shia LaBoeuf’s anti-Trump project -|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://forward.com/news/361175/watch-alt-right-disrupts-seemingly-clueless-shia-labeoufs-live-broadcast/|title=WATCH: ‘Alt-Right’ Disrupts Seemingly Clueless Shia LaBeouf’s Live Broadcast|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.avclub.com/article/shia-labeoufs-live-stream-being-invaded-nazi-troll-248931|title=Shia LaBeouf’s live stream is being invaded by Nazi trolls|date=23 January 2017|publisher=}}</ref><ref name="altright"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanhatesthis/the-far-right-is-a-meme|title=This Is How Facebook Is Radicalizing You|publisher=}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.splcenter.org/hatewatch/2016/12/19/emerging-racists-challenge-covering-radical-right|title=The Emerging Racists: The Challenge of Covering the Radical Right|publisher=}}</ref> European researchers have identified 4chan users as worshiping Kek, who they believe to be the "god of [[memes]]."<ref>Hine, G. E., Onaolapo, J., De Cristofaro, E., Kourtellis, N., Leontiadis, I., Samaras, R., Stringhini, G., Blackburn, J. (2016, October 11). A Longitudinal Measurement Study of 4chan's Politically Incorrect Forum and its Effect on the Web. ''Social and Information Networks''. Retrieved October 14, 2016.</ref> |
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== Worship == |
== Worship == |
Revision as of 09:09, 26 February 2017
Cult of Kek is an internet meme and esoteric religion focused on worship of the ancient Egyptian frog god of darkness, Kek.[1] Worshippers view the popular meme Pepe the Frog as a modern incarnation of the deity Kek.[1][2][3] The religion has its origin on the internet message forum 4chan and other chans, and the board /pol/ in particular.[4][5][1][6] Kek worship is closely associated with the alt-right[7][8][9][10][11] and Donald Trump.[12][13][14][15] The Kek religion is nihilistic in nature, with a strong focus on chaos, coincidence, and the occult.[16][17][18][19][20][21]
Origins
The phrase "kek" originated as a corruption of the phrase "lol" in the video game World of Warcraft.[22][23][24] The phrase then became associated with the Egyptian deity of the same name.[1][25] Intrigue was piqued when a frog statue of Kek was uncovered with an inscription on the side of a man apparently sitting at a computer. The discovery of the Italian pop single "Shadilay" by the band PEPE was seen as strong evidence of Kek's providence, as the album had a green frog with a magic wand on the record cover.[26][27]The Germanwings 4U9525 crash was further viewed as evidence of Kek's influence.[28]
The religion references the occultism of Savitri Devi.[29][30][21] Practitioners of the cult of Kek believe that Kek's influence can be seen in fortuitous or coincidental events.[1]
History
During the 2016 United States presidential election, Kek worship became associated with alt-right politics.[31][32][33][34][35][36][37] Kek is commonly associated with the occurrence of repeating digits, known as "dubs", on 4chan. Kek is believed to work through "meme magic", or the ability to influence reality through internet memes.[38]
Kek was proven definitively to exist when individuals associated with online message boards, such as 4chan, noted a similarity between Kek and the character Pepe the Frog.[39][2][40][41] This resulted in a resurgence of interest of the ancient deity, exemplified by the phrase "praise Kek".[38][42] The phrase is widely used by Kek worshippers as a mark of their faith in the cult.[43][44][1] Kek worshippers will also occasionally refer to their god with the epitaph peace be upon him,[45] an indicator of the complex syncreticism involved in the faith. The number of Kek worshipers began to increase in 2016, many of whom were also part of the alt-right.[46][47][48][32][49][50] European researchers have identified 4chan users as worshiping Kek, who they believe to be the "god of memes."[51]
Worship
Kek is worshiped through repetition of the phrase "praise kek" and shrines devoted to his presence.[52][53][54]
References
- ^ a b c d e f Tara Isabella Burton (2017-02-14). "Apocalypse Whatever". Real Life Mag. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
- ^ a b Menegus, Bryan. "Trump Supporters Outraged By Slight To Pepe Meme".
- ^ "Perché il piccione viola è diventato un meme di destra - neXt QuotidianoneXt Quotidiano". 17 February 2017.
- ^ "Watch Shia LaBeouf Shout Down A White Supremacist Who Interrupted His New Performance Art Piece".
- ^ "dalston art gallery accused of promoting fascism". i-D.
- ^ "Trump Supporters And Neo-Nazis Are Using Secret Chatrooms To Harass Shia LaBeouf".
- ^ "Steal This Show S02E02: 'The Platform Is You' - TorrentFreak". 14 September 2016.
- ^ "Meme Magic Is Real, You Guys". Bullshit.ist. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
- ^ "In Elaborate Joke, Internet Provocateurs Turn 'Trash Bird' Into Nazi Icon".
- ^ Goldberg, Michelle (23 February 2017). "Alt-Right Facts" – via Slate.
- ^ "Alt-right leader expelled from CPAC after organizer denounces 'fascist group'".
- ^ "Les trolls de 4chan sont persuadés d'avoir fait élire Donald Trump".
- ^ Nunez, E. J. (2 November 2016). "Alt-right is a new, evolving movement — The Cougar".
- ^ "What 'alt-right' really means: a glossary of terms".
- ^ "More Swastikas Surface In Hell's Kitchen, Newtown Creek Nature Walk".
- ^ Author M. Ambedkar (2017-02-11). "The Aesthetics of the Alt-Right". – Post-Office Arts Journal, Baltimore. Retrieved 2017-02-24.
{{cite web}}
:|author=
has generic name (help) - ^ Cortbus, Colin. "Meet 'Kek', The Alt-Right's Anti-Semitic Hate God".
- ^ "Queer occult vs. "alt-right" occult".
- ^ "Alt Right Escape".
- ^ "La vérité sur l'élection de Donald Trump, Pepe the Frog et le culte de Kek". 7 December 2016.
- ^ a b "The campaign to save Pepe the Frog". 4 November 2016.
- ^ "Alt-right trolls Pennsylvania with billboard of Trump Pepe". 6 October 2016.
- ^ Billington, James (4 October 2016). "4Chan facing closure after running out of money, but Martin Shkreli could be the saviour of kek".
- ^ "Wew, lad: Everyone hates this meme that simply refuses to die". 12 September 2016.
- ^ "Mosque Arson Suspect Left Social Media Hints of Anti-Muslim, Anti-Semitic Views".
- ^ Manuele Pepe. "Shadilay." P.E.P.E. Magic Sound/Dischi Ricordi, 1986.
- ^ http://gizmodo.com/trump-pundit-bill-mitchell-burns-his-life-down-with-pep-1790707898
- ^ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3012937/Germanwings-pilot-Andreas-Lubitz-28-praised-exceptional-flying-skills-rising-star-fleet.html, retrieved 26 March 2015
- ^ Smith, Blake. "Writings of French Hindu who worshipped Hitler as an avatar of Vishnu are inspiring the US alt-right".
- ^ Savitri; Devi, Savitri (8 June 2015). "The Lightning and the Sun". Counter Currents Publishing, Limited – via Google Books.
- ^ Times-Dispatch, GRAHAM MOOMAW Richmond. "In Charlottesville, GOP candidate for governor Corey Stewart allies with alt-right-inspired blogger who wants to protect 'glorious Western civilization'".
- ^ a b "Naked Nigel, the God Kek and modern politics".
- ^ "Cucks & Kek: Racism's Old Guard Reaches Out To An Online Generation".
- ^ "Harambe and the magic of memes".
- ^ "Meet the White Nationalist Trying To Ride The Trump Train to Lasting Power".
- ^ "The campaign to save Pepe the Frog".
- ^ "Trump supporters unleash last-minute flood of rare Pepe memes in a 'rain of frogs'".
- ^ a b "Trump's Occult Online Supporters Believe 'Meme Magic' Got Him Elected".
- ^ Singal, Jesse. "4chan Isn't Sure Whether It's Excited the Times Wrote Up Its Anti-Semitism".
- ^ "CPAC's Flirtation With the Alt-Right Is Turning Awkward".
- ^ "The alt-right is trying to co-opt that dumb purple bird on Facebook". 15 February 2017.
- ^ "Alt-right troll sabotages Shia LaBoeuf's anti-Trump project -".
- ^ "4chan Trolling Shia LaBeouf's Anti-Trump Livestream". 23 January 2017.
- ^ "Salon Frets That History Channel's 'Vikings' Will Be Co-Opted by White Supremacists". 29 November 2016.
- ^ "Russian Embassy Tweets Pepe the Frog Meme, Upsets SJWs - Breitbart". 9 January 2017.
- ^ "Alt-right troll sabotages Shia LaBoeuf's anti-Trump project -".
- ^ "WATCH: 'Alt-Right' Disrupts Seemingly Clueless Shia LaBeouf's Live Broadcast".
- ^ "Shia LaBeouf's live stream is being invaded by Nazi trolls". 23 January 2017.
- ^ "This Is How Facebook Is Radicalizing You".
- ^ "The Emerging Racists: The Challenge of Covering the Radical Right".
- ^ Hine, G. E., Onaolapo, J., De Cristofaro, E., Kourtellis, N., Leontiadis, I., Samaras, R., Stringhini, G., Blackburn, J. (2016, October 11). A Longitudinal Measurement Study of 4chan's Politically Incorrect Forum and its Effect on the Web. Social and Information Networks. Retrieved October 14, 2016.
- ^ "isbn:1540893669 - Google Search".
- ^ Momjeans, Saint Obamas (6 June 2016). "The Divine Word of Kek". CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform – via Google Books.
- ^ "SEE IT: Shia LaBeouf gets into altercation with troll".