What Is the “Always Has Been” Meme? Origin, Format, and Cultural Impact
The “Always Has Been” meme, featuring two astronauts in space—one pointing a gun at the other while revealing a shocking truth about Earth—has become a staple of internet culture. Emerging in 2018, its surreal humor and adaptable format capture moments of cosmic realization, betrayal, and irony.
This article traces its origins, dissects its structure, explores its cultural significance, and explains why it remains a versatile tool for online expression, supported by key examples and sources.
Origin of the “Always Has Been” Meme
The Astronaut Comic Template
The “Always Has Been” meme originates from a two-panel comic template depicting two astronauts floating in space. In the first panel, one astronaut looks at Earth and exclaims, “Wait, it’s all X?”—where “X” is a surprising or absurd revelation. The second astronaut, pointing a gun, responds, “Always has been.” The template’s origins are murky, but it’s often credited to an anonymous creator, with early versions appearing on meme-sharing platforms. Its stark imagery and dramatic dialogue made it ripe for memetic spread.
Tracing Its Early Appearances (2018–2019)
The meme first gained traction in mid-2018 on Reddit’s r/memes subreddit. A notable early instance, posted in June 2018, used the format to joke about Ohio being the center of the universe, earning thousands of upvotes. By 2019, Twitter users amplified the meme, with posts like “Wait, it’s all a simulation?” spreading rapidly. These early instances established the meme’s surreal tone and adaptability.
Evolution from a Surreal Joke to a Meme Format
The meme’s absurdity—astronauts debating Earth’s nature with a gun—evolved from a niche joke to a versatile format due to its open-ended structure. Users could swap “X” for any concept, from conspiracy theories to pop culture references, making it a canvas for creative expression. By late 2019, it had spread across platforms like 4chan and Tumblr, cementing its place in meme culture.
The Format of the Meme
Typical Text Structure
The meme’s dialogue follows a consistent pattern: Astronaut 1 says, “Wait, it’s all X?” (where “X” is a surprising revelation, e.g., “Ohio” or “a simulation”), and Astronaut 2, holding a gun, replies, “Always has been.” This structure creates a dramatic reveal, blending shock with inevitability. The gun adds tension, implying betrayal or enforcement of the “truth.”
Visual and Symbolic Elements
Visually, the meme uses Earth as a backdrop, symbolizing universal truths or illusions. The gun-wielding astronaut represents hidden knowledge or authority, while the shocked astronaut embodies naive realization. The contrast between space’s vastness and the personal confrontation amplifies the meme’s existential weight, making it ideal for both humor and commentary. Common Themes and Variations
The meme often explores conspiracy theories (e.g., “Wait, it’s all flat?”), historical revisionism (“Wait, it’s all propaganda?”), or fandom humor (“Wait, it’s all Jar Jar Binks?”). Political satire, like versions mocking electoral systems, also thrives. Variations replace Earth with other planets or objects, tailoring the meme to specific contexts while retaining its core absurdity.
Customization and Memetic Remix Culture
The meme’s simplicity—two panels, editable text, and a clear setup—makes it a prime candidate for remixes. Tools like Photoshop and meme generators let users insert new “truths” or visuals, fostering a participatory culture. Its flexibility has led to countless spinoffs, from TikTok videos to Discord server jokes, keeping it dynamic and user-driven.
Cultural Meaning and Interpretation
Irony, Fatalism, and Cosmic Realization
The meme resonates by blending irony with fatalism, capturing moments of realizing uncomfortable truths. Its “always has been” punchline suggests inevitability, reflecting existential dread or resignation. For example, a 2020 version stating “Wait, it’s all capitalism?” went viral, tapping into economic anxieties. Its cosmic setting amplifies the sense of uncovering universal secrets.
The Meme as a Mirror of Internet Nihilism
Popular among Gen Z, the meme channels absurdism and dark humor, aligning with internet nihilism. Its deadpan delivery mirrors the generation’s response to overwhelming issues like climate change or political dysfunction. Scholar Whitney Phillips notes that such memes act as “coping mechanisms for a chaotic world,” letting users laugh at despair.
Philosophical and Political Takes
Users inject philosophical depth or political satire into the format. Versions like “Wait, it’s all controlled by corporations?” critique systemic issues, while others, like “Wait, it’s all meaningless?” lean into existentialism. These takes resonate by framing personal or societal disillusionment as cosmic revelations, making the meme a vehicle for both humor and critique.
Notable Examples and Viral Moments
Political and Historical Meme Versions
The meme has tackled political and historical themes, such as a 2019 flat Earth version (“Wait, it’s all flat?”) that mocked conspiracy theories, gaining traction on Reddit with over 20,000 upvotes. Another, from 2020, used U.S. electoral maps (“Wait, it’s all gerrymandered?”), highlighting voting controversies. These examples show the meme’s knack for sharp commentary.
Pop Culture Crossovers
The meme crosses into fandoms, with versions like “Wait, it’s all Thanos?” for Marvel fans or “Wait, it’s all Skyrim?” for gamers. A 2021 TikTok trend paired the format with anime references, like Attack on Titan, amassing millions of views. These crossovers broaden its appeal across niche communities.
Brand or Corporate Appropriations
Brands have attempted to use the meme, often with mixed results. In 2020, a fast-food chain’s tweet—“Wait, it’s all burgers?”—fell flat, criticized for lacking authenticity. However, a 2021 NASA post about Mars (“Wait, it’s all red?”) was well-received for its playful tone. Corporate uses highlight the meme’s mainstream reach but risk diluting its edge.
Why the “Always Has Been” Meme Endures?
Flexibility and Simplicity
The meme’s two-panel structure and editable text make it endlessly adaptable. Its simplicity allows anyone to create versions with minimal effort, while its dramatic setup ensures instant recognition. As meme scholar Ryan Milner notes, such formats thrive as “creative vessels” for user expression.
Emotional Range: From Satire to Absurdity
The meme spans serious satire (e.g., critiquing systemic issues) to absurd humor (e.g., “Wait, it’s all Ohio?”). This range lets it tackle everything from global crises to silly fandom jokes, keeping it relevant across contexts. A 2022 X post about inflation (“Wait, it’s all overpriced?”) shows its ongoing versatility.
Continued Use Across Platforms
The meme thrives on Reddit, TikTok, Twitter, and Discord, with new versions appearing daily. TikTok’s 2023 trend of animated “Always Has Been” videos, often with dramatic music, boosted its visibility. Meme forums like Know Your Meme document its evolution, ensuring its place in digital culture.
Conclusion
The “Always Has Been” meme, born from a surreal 2018 comic, has grown into a cultural juggernaut, blending irony, nihilism, and cosmic revelation. Its simple yet flexible format—two astronauts, a gun, and a shocking truth—captures everything from political critique to absurd humor, resonating with Gen Z’s dark comedy and internet culture’s love for remixes.
Viral moments, from flat Earth jabs to pop culture crossovers, highlight its adaptability, while its enduring use across platforms like Reddit and TikTok underscores its emotional range. As a mirror of existential dread and creative expression, “Always Has Been” remains a timeless snapshot of our chaotic digital age.
