The Sweating Red Button Meme: A Satirical Take on Turkish Denialism

On December 24, 2020, a Facebook user in the United States shared a comment featuring an adaptation of the 'daily struggle' or 'two buttons' meme. The post quickly gained attention and sparked controversy, with some users praising its satirical nature while others condemned it as hate speech. At the center of the debate is a cartoon character depicted sweating profusely, with the Turkish flag covering his face. In front of him are two buttons with statements that read, 'The Armenian Genocide is a lie' and 'The Armenians were terrorists that deserved it.'

The post was removed by Facebook for violating its Hate Speech Community Standard, which prohibits content that attacks or dehumanizes individuals or groups based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, or other characteristics. However, the Oversight Board disagreed with Facebook's decision and overturned it in May 2021.

In its ruling, the Oversight Board determined that the post was not hate speech but rather a satirical commentary on Turkish denialism of the Armenian genocide. The Board considered that the removed content did not endorse hateful speech against Armenians, as it actually criticized such speech and raised awareness about the Turkish government's contradictory denial of the genocide.

The Board also analyzed the content as a whole and concluded that the comment was intended to criticize and mock Turkish denialism rather than discriminate against Armenians. The post's satirical nature was evident in its depiction of a sweating cartoon character, which is a common trope used to convey anxiety or distress in humorous situations.

Facebook's decision to remove the post was seen as an overreach by many users, who argued that it stifled free speech and censored critical commentary on important issues. The Oversight Board's reversal of this decision has implications for online freedom of expression and the role of social media platforms in moderating content.

The Sweating Red Button meme may have started as a humorous adaptation of the 'two buttons' meme, but it has evolved into a symbol of resistance against censorship and a call to action for those who want to challenge powerful interests. As we navigate the complex landscape of online discourse, it is essential that we prioritize free speech while also protecting individuals from harm. The Sweating Red Button meme serves as a reminder that satire can be a powerful tool for social commentary and that even in the most absurd situations, our words have the power to spark important conversations.

Sweating red button meme