The Evolution And Cultural Impact Of The "Always Has Been" Meme
The "Always Has Been" meme, often mistakenly referred to as the "always was" meme, stands as one of the most recognizable pieces of visual communication in internet history. It features two astronauts overlooking Earth from space; one discovers that everything on the planet—and often the universe—is actually a single, specific entity, leading the second astronaut to point a gun at the first and utter the famous line, "Always has been." This template transcends simple humor, functioning as a recursive commentary on perception, discovery, and the absurdity of objective reality.
Originating from a Reddit post in 2010, the image was initially a satirical jab at scientific discovery. However, its true viral peak occurred in 2020 on platforms like Twitter and r/MemeEconomy. The versatility of the format allows creators to swap the Earth for any object, brand, or concept, effectively turning the meme into a vessel for societal critique, niche interest gatekeeping, and surrealist humor. Understanding its mechanics requires looking beyond the image to the underlying psychological appeal of existential realization.
The Origin Story and Technical Anatomy of the Meme
The image itself is an edit of a digital painting by artist Erik Forsberg, originally titled "The Earth is Round." The original composition depicted an astronaut holding a globe, meant to highlight the scientific consensus of a spherical planet. However, the internet repurposed the asset into a two-panel narrative. The first panel shows a character realizing a shocking truth, while the second shows the execution—or, in this case, the silent, lethal enforcement of that truth. The contrast between the mundane aesthetic of a space mission and the surreal, often ridiculous punchline creates a "cognitive dissonance" that makes the meme effective.
Beyond the visuals, the "Always has been" phrase is crucial. It asserts a sense of permanence and inevitability. When a user posts this meme, they are claiming that a certain hidden truth is not a new development, but a fundamental property of the universe that the observer was simply too blind to see. This intellectual "gotcha" moment is what drives engagement; it validates the creator's perceived insight while simultaneously mocking the naivety of the character (or the audience) who only just realized the truth.
The longevity of this template is largely due to its structural simplicity. Because it relies on a binary interaction—discovery and lethal suppression—it is incredibly easy to replicate. Whether it is applied to the history of a video game, the ingredients in a recipe, or the geopolitical state of a country, the structure remains consistent. This modularity makes it a staple for community-building, as it allows creators to signal shared knowledge within their specific subcultures without needing lengthy explanations.
Why the "Always Has Been" Template Resonates Globally
The global popularity of this meme lies in its adaptability across language and cultural barriers. Because the core narrative is purely visual—a realization followed by an action—it requires very little translation. The subtext remains clear regardless of the specific topic being referenced. Whether in English, Spanish, or Japanese, the underlying message of "the world is not what it seems" remains universal. This universality is why the meme has been used by massive brands, political commentators, and casual users alike to express a sense of shared disillusionment or insider awareness.
Furthermore, the meme taps into a specific type of internet nihilism. In an era where information is abundant and often overwhelming, the "Always has been" meme offers a simplified, albeit cynical, explanation for complex phenomena. It provides a shorthand for frustration, humor, or deep-seated belief. When people feel that their favorite hobby, political party, or cultural movement is being misrepresented, they use this meme to "reveal" what they believe is the objective, underlying truth.
Finally, the meme thrives on the "insider effect." To understand a specific iteration of the "Always has been" meme, the viewer must have a baseline knowledge of the subject matter. This creates an exclusive environment where those who "get it" feel rewarded, while those who don't feel prompted to learn more. This barrier to entry, however low, creates a psychological loop that keeps the meme relevant across various niche communities, from finance bros discussing crypto to historians analyzing ancient conflicts.
Clothing the Gaps Always Was Tee - Boomalli Shop
Comparative Analysis: The "Always Has Been" Format vs. Other Reaction Memes
To understand the dominance of this meme, it is useful to compare it to other popular formats. While many memes rely on emotional expressions (like the "Distracted Boyfriend"), the "Always has been" meme is purely analytical and narrative-driven. It presents an argument, even if that argument is absurd.
| Feature | Always Has Been | Distracted Boyfriend | Drake Hotline Bling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Emotion | Existential/Analytical | Lust/Comparison | Preference/Judgment |
| Narrative Flow | Discovery/Lethal truth | Temporary temptation | Binary rejection/acceptance |
| Complexity | High (Context dependent) | Low (Universal) | Low (Universal) |
| Cultural Tone | Cynical/Surreal | Relatable/Playful | Opinionated |
As the table shows, the "Always has been" format is significantly more complex than standard reactive memes. It requires the viewer to engage with the text on both panels to understand the joke. This higher cognitive load is precisely why it remains a favorite for intellectual, nerdy, or highly specific online communities. It is not designed for a quick scroll; it is designed for a moment of recognition.
Common Misconceptions: "Always Was" vs. "Always Has Been"
A frequent point of confusion among casual users is the terminology. While many search for the "always was meme," the correct phrase is "Always has been." This is a critical distinction in English grammar and tone. "Always was" implies a static state in the past, whereas "Always has been" implies an ongoing, continuous reality that bridges the past and the present. This linguistic nuance is vital to the meme’s punchline; the astronaut is not just saying something happened previously, but that it is an eternal, unchanging condition of the subject being discussed.
If you are looking to create your own content using this format, using the correct terminology is essential for maintaining the "canon" of the meme. Using "Always was" can make the post feel slightly "off" to seasoned internet users, potentially reducing its engagement. Always ensure your text aligns with the established syntax to leverage the full authority of the format.
Steps to Creating Your Own "Always Has Been" Content
If you are a content creator looking to leverage this format, follow these steps to ensure your meme lands effectively with your target audience:
- Identify the "Truth": Choose a topic where you have an opinion that is contrary to the popular narrative. The more specific and niche, the better.
- Edit the Labels: Use an image editor or a meme generator tool to replace the Earth with your subject. Ensure the text is clear and readable.
- The Punchline: Keep the second astronaut’s line as "Always has been." Do not alter the text on the second panel, as the familiarity of the phrase is what provides the comedic payoff.
- Contextual Placement: Post your meme in the community where the context is most understood. A generic meme page will result in low engagement, but a specialized subreddit or Discord server will appreciate the specific reference.
By following these steps, you tap into the pre-existing logic of the meme while providing a fresh perspective that encourages shares, comments, and debate within your specific digital niche.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the "Always has been" meme dead? A: While its viral peak occurred in 2020, it has transitioned into a "classic" meme format. It is still widely used in niche communities to provide commentary on current events or long-running tropes.
Q: Where can I find a high-resolution template? A: Most meme generation websites, such as Imgflip or Know Your Meme, host high-quality templates that you can edit directly in your browser.
Q: Does the meme have to be about Earth? A: Not at all. The subject of the first astronaut's discovery is the most flexible part of the image. You can replace the planet with anything from a brand logo to a photo of a specific piece of software.
Q: Why is there a gun in the meme? A: The gun represents the lethal silencing of the truth. It adds a layer of dark humor, suggesting that the "hidden truth" is so dangerous or inconvenient that the second astronaut is willing to kill to protect the secret.
Q: Can I use this for business marketing? A: Proceed with caution. Because the meme involves a threat of violence, it may not be suitable for all brands. Only use it if your brand voice is edgy, humorous, or specifically targets a demographic that is well-versed in internet culture.
Start Your Viral Strategy Today
The "Always has been" meme is more than just a passing trend; it is a fundamental tool for digital storytelling. By understanding the balance between its visual structure and its cynical commentary, you can effectively communicate complex ideas in a way that resonates with your audience. Whether you are aiming to build community engagement or simply share a perspective on a niche interest, this format remains one of the most powerful tools in your arsenal.
Ready to take your content strategy to the next level? Start by analyzing your brand's core truths and finding a way to present them through the lens of this iconic format. If you need assistance developing a social media strategy that incorporates cultural trends effectively, contact our expert team today to schedule your consultation.
