The Rise of a Meme Pepe's transformation into a popular internet meme began around 2008.

His simple design and relatable demeanor made him a perfect canvas for online humor. Users began to adapt Pepe's image to express a wide range of emotions, from happiness and sadness to anger and confusion. Variations like "Feels Good Man," "Sad Frog," and "Smug Pepe" became ubiquitous on platforms like 4chan and Tumblr.

The Dark Side of Pepe Unfortunately, Pepe's popularity took a sinister turn. In the mid-2010s, the character was co-opted by hate groups and white supremacists. They began to use Pepe as a symbol of their ideology, distorting his original meaning and associating him with racism, anti-Semitism, and other forms of bigotry.

This appropriation led to Pepe being labeled as a hate symbol by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). The sudden shift in Pepe's image caused widespread confusion and distress, particularly for those who had enjoyed the character's original, harmless persona.

The Fight to Reclaim Pepe Efforts have been made to reclaim Pepe from the clutches of hate groups. Matt Furie himself has spoken out against the misuse of his character, and many internet users continue to use Pepe in a positive and humorous context. However, the damage to Pepe's reputation has been significant, and it remains a complex and controversial figure in online culture.

In conclusion, Pepe the Frog's story is a cautionary tale about the rapid evolution of internet culture and the potential consequences of memeification. While the character was initially a source of harmless fun, his association with hate groups has left a lasting impact.