#NationalOppositeDay: A Socially Conscious Meme

Earlier this week one of my friends mentioned the #NationalOppositeDay hashtag on Twitter so I searched for it as it wasn't in the trending topics and found a most curious underground meme building momentum. It was initiated by comedian Elon James White (@elonjames) and notable tweeters included a game designer, a couple of feminists, a couple of writers, and an information security professional.

Many of the tweets were hilarious. Within a few minutes I'd favourited half a dozen, viewed lots of profiles, and visited the web sites of Twitter users from all over the world to learn more about them.

This is a hashtag that is very unlikely to become a global trending topic because it involves social satire and marginalised groups, such as racial minorities, gay people, and women, so much of the majority is unlikely to find it in its timelines or consider it funny unless a celebrity of sufficient standing participates, at which point it may become overrun with idiots. (You know it's true.)

Therefore I've decided to preserve some of my favourites here before they drift backwards into the timeline void. If you enjoy them check out their authors or participate next time the hashtag gains momentum.

I don't have anything against straight people. I have a good friend who's straight! But they don't have to flaunt it. #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 16:22:03 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet Replycsween
csween

I don't think our audience would be able to empathise with a white male protagonist in our video game. #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:02:21 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet ReplyDeirdra Kiai
deirdrakiai

I kicked a dude in the bits but he wanted me to. I could tell because he dressed slutty. #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:06:31 +0000 2011 via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyNot long for Ma
shortformayhem

I just called tech support and they put some dumb BOY on the line, can you believe it? That's a woman's job, honey. #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:18:07 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet ReplyCassandra Lease
Themiscyra

My grandma used to tell me I would look so much more butch if I could just gain a little weight. #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:20:12 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet ReplySweet Machine
sweetmachineSP

I'm sick and tired of all these games where you have to rescue a prince. #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:26:35 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet ReplyDeirdra Kiai
deirdrakiai

I've been asked to plan safe space rooms for straight white men at SF cons. Any suggestions on what you'd like to see? #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:28:22 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet ReplyDan Holzman-Tweed
HolzmanTweed

"Oh, you're not interested in me because you're straight? Well, in that case, how about we have a threesome?" #NationalOppositeDayWed Apr 20 17:29:44 +0000 2011 via web Favorite Retweet ReplyMary Maxfield Brave
missmarymax

this white dude got so touchy when i asked him to riverdance at the employee picnic. what? dont they all do that? #nationaloppositedayWed Apr 20 20:17:02 +0000 2011 via TweetDeck Favorite Retweet Replydeluxvivens
deluxvivens

#NationalOppositeDay is totally helping me be productive...( #NationalOppositeDay) Wed Apr 20 17:57:01 +0000 2011 via Twitter for iPhone Favorite Retweet ReplyNot long for Ma
shortformayhem