In an era of evolving technology, individuals often look to social media sites such as Twitter to find their daily news. Because of this, hashtags have become an essential aspect of social media, a showcase of unique reactions our nation has to the news.
For example, because of the recent partial shutdown of the U.S. government, many Twitter users have started to joke about various aspects of public policy and politics. They have generated pickup lines based on government jargon, including references to the closure of national monuments and the implications of the Affordable Care Act.
The national library might be closed but that won't stop me from checking you out #governmentshutdownpickuplines— Kate Clements (@KatieTheLady12) October 3, 2013
Completely in favor of the health care law, because I like my friends to have benefits. #governmentshutdownpickuplines— Aileen Markovitz (@marko_polo__) October 2, 2013
Interestingly enough, the public does seem to have an understanding of the current state of the government, referencing specific areas of government concerns such as the fiscal cliff and the national debt. While portrayed in a joking manner, the use of such terms is an encouraging sign that our nation is actually engaged in government affairs.
I must be the fiscal cliff because I've fallen for you. #governmentshutdownpickuplines— Ann (@sosocialann) October 2, 2013
Forget the National Debt, the only number I care about is yours. #governmentshutdownpickuplines— Wheel Herndon (@WillHerndon10) October 1, 2013
This trend has opened a number of doors for material, as some head in a more risqué direction. Although these R-rated tweets may cause us to blush, the clever thought process behind this wordplay will evoke a smile, without fail.
#governmentshutdownpickuplines DC may be closed but baby I've got the D i know you want to C.— Alaina Fried Rice (@AlainaAppaloosa) October 3, 2013
Since I can't get my passport I was wondering if I could go south of your border #governmentshutdownpickuplines— Julia? (@julia_venezia11) October 2, 2013
ASU has contributed to this trend as well, as students try their hand at original lines. Frank Smith, president of Undergraduate Student Government Downtown, tweeted on Oct. 3:
Sorry if I'm staring, but since the parks are closed I had to find other natural beauty to marvel at. #governmentshutdownpickuplines— Frank J. Smith III (@SFrankIII) October 3, 2013
While a tad cheesy and progressively inappropriate, this trend has taken Twitter by storm, as new tweets are tagged every few minutes.
Scrolling through the results for #governmentshutdownpickuplines, one will notice that a variety of individuals have contributed to this increasing list of tweets — there is no one type of person creating the jokes. As a nation, we may be in a state of distress, but we are also able to cope as a whole.
It is refreshing to see that even in times of frustration, our society has the ability to make light of any situation. While the shutdown has shocked the nation, leaving many discouraged, we are still able to find a reason to giggle.
Because this is on a social media platform, it has developed into a more public movement. This trend acts more as a sign that our nation recognizes our current situation and handles it not with aggravation, but humor. This lighthearted attitude is a breath of fresh air from the recent heavy headlines.
While this does not trivialize the shutdown by any means, it does provide a much needed sigh of relief. Just like a trend on Twitter, the shutdown will pass in due time.
Reach the columnist at rsmouse@asu.edu or follow her on Twitter @BeccaSmouse
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