fig. 3
fig. 4
Cool S
It is unknown when the Cool S first appeared,
although it became popular in the 1980s. Also
known as Skater S, Superman S, Stussy S, Super
S, and Pointy S, it is unknown the actual origin.
Some believe it is in reference to Superman or
if it originated as the logo for the brand Stussy.
This S can be created with 14 simple lines,
which made it incredibly popular to repro-
duce, both as doodles and graffiti. (Fig. 4)
I Want You
James Montgomery Flagg made the famous
“I want you” poster depicting Uncle Sam,
a personification of America, pointing at
the viewer as if demanding they enlist in
the army. (Fig. 5) This format has been
used widely in contemporary memes,
including using the original image to
mock American politics and immitating
the pose with popular culture characters.
fig. 5
The Meme Textbook | 5