This is a follow-up to my earlier post:
The picture that was the subject of this apology thread has really perplexed me, and so far nobody has been able to explain the problem with it. I have done a little research this morning, and here is what I have deduced.
The picture is what is known as a "meme". It does not appear to be one that is based on a previous work of art. Describing a "meme" is difficult, especially for those of us who did not grow up with the Internet being second-nature to us.
A "meme" (or "teme") is a visual expression of an idea. It is either adapted from an existing one (like a photo, for example) or is created from scratch by the "artist". It is used to convey an idea by transmission across the internet from person to person -- the way we forward things of this nature that we like, or share them on sites for that purpose.
This meme appears to have been created two years ago and is not titled except as "just Virgin Mary and a gorilla." So yes, the figure in the picture is intended by the creator to be the mother of Jesus.
The rest of the picture is entirely open to interpretation, I think.
Oftentimes in memes and other depictions, gorillas can be a reference to evolution, and when combined with human figures, usually in a comic or ironic sense, encourages viewers to contrast the reality of our world with one in which only apes were living.
This meme, therefore, is really subject to interpretation as to whether it is sacreligeous. Since this is Handejector's board, and he and others consider that it is, for purposes here, it is.
I don't want to influence anyone else's opinion of what the meme represents, so I will keep my own interpretation to myself. However, I think when Just1mr posted this bizarre picture and invited captions to it, I do not think he was knowingly violating any Forum rules, and I think Handejector's locking of the thread and, at the same time, saying he would "let it slide" is a fine response under the circumstances.
Hope this helps anyone else who is trying to understand this.....
