From Greta’s Breasts to Memecoins: Trivialization and Stigmatization in the Climate Debate
In an era when the gravity of climate change becomes ever clearer, it’s striking how the earnest warnings of climate activist Greta Thunberg can sometimes be reduced to inappropriate internet jokes. Over the weekend, a digitally altered photo of Thunberg, featuring unrealistically enlarged breasts, was widely shared on social media. This edit even led to the creation of a so-called ‘memecoin’, Greta’s Milkers ($GRETA), mocking her environmental efforts and contributing to the polarization within the climate debate.
Parallel to Thunberg’s prominent role within the climate movement are the personal attacks she endures. Her uncompromising message and active participation have not only placed the climate crisis at the center of public discourse but also made her a target of criticism. The spread of altered images like that of Thunberg crosses the boundaries of legitimate political discussion. They are malicious attempts to sexualize Thunberg and discredit her serious message. Comments like “greta getting breast implants was not on my bingo card” and “When did Greta get such big mommy milkers?” further illustrate this point. This phenomenon is not unique to Thunberg or the climate movement; it’s a tactic regularly employed against female public figures who speak out on controversial subjects.
The launch of the memecoin ‘Greta’s Milkers’ ($GRETA) marks a nadir in the public discussion on environmental efforts, by adding a mocking twist to the concept of value creation in the digital economy. Instead of the traditional ‘mining’ of cryptocurrencies, the focus is now on the ‘milking’ of GRETA$ coins, which involves exploiting the attention around Greta Thunberg for financial gain. A flagrant example of the sad reality of how female objectification is not only normalized but even commercialized and spread. Sexist jokes like “feeling milky” and “make them milk again” underscore this point. This shift towards exploitation gains additional significance with the expected support from influential figures like Andrew Tate, a macho-influencer known for his controversial and misogynistic views. His previous confrontations with Thunberg symbolize how certain groups find it acceptable to belittle her efforts. This highlights a larger issue. It’s not just about trivializing the urgent climate issue; it’s also about how digital culture and its influential figures contribute to a climate in which the disrespectful treatment of young female activists is normalized. This phenomenon, extending beyond a single memecoin, sheds light on the challenges serious climate discussions face in the digital age, characterized by polarization and the undermining of respectful dialogue. It sets a worrying precedent for how we treat young female activists who publicly raise their voices.
Diminishing and ridiculing Thunberg’s contribution to the climate debate reflects broader societal tensions about the role of women in the public sphere. This dynamic is not merely a reflection of differences in scientific views but also indicates resistance to changes in traditional power structures. In a world where the voices of young women, like Thunberg’s, are increasingly heard, a cultural battle over identity and influence unfolds. This development is part of a larger debate over gender, culture, and economic status, leading to polarization worldwide.
Recent statements by the Roman Catholic Church against gender theory and sex change in the policy document ‘Dignitas Infinita’ highlight the complexity of the cultural and ideological battle currently being waged globally. Just as the discussion on gender identity leads to polarization, so does the dialogue on climate change. The resistance to change, whether it concerns social, cultural, or environmental adjustments, reinforces societal division. It’s crucial to recognize that bridging these divides is not just about agreeing on facts but addressing underlying fears and concerns.
It’s essential that, amidst the noise of triviality and stigmatization, we don’t lose sight of what truly matters. Everyone has the power to contribute to a solution, whether by changing our own behavior, supporting sustainable policies, or engaging in open and constructive dialogues. By joining forces and transcending our differences, we can work together towards a more sustainable future. This is not just our responsibility to each other, but also to future generations.
