Date: Fri, 10 Apr 1998 20:10:05 +0000
From: Bruce Howlett <bhowlett@metz.une.edu.au>
To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
Subject: Re: List of meme definitions
Aaron,
I hope you will consider this also a reasonable question:
My perspective on memetics is one of trying to understand the mechanics
of culture. I perceive that "active" culture is a present continuum of
beliefs, held by individuals, which manifest themselves in all facets of
human endeavour, from quilt making to table manners to "polite" social
intercourse. The "belief" is a norm which is established over time by
frequent exposure and reinforcement by family and peers. In this
context, the "belief" does not appear to fall into a category of "meme"
in spite of the fact(?) that norms are beliefs. I say this because your
definition appears to favour contagion rather than learning as a
instantion process. Is any belief a meme?
Regards,
Bruce :-)
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