The Monster I’ve Created

About twenty years or so ago, I had a wild idea to create a meme. It was my first attempt, and it turned out to be a clever one. For the final scene from Planet of the Apes, a classic Rod Serling ending where the camera zooms out to show the Statue of Liberty, I decided to switch Lady Liberty with an iconic statue of Paul Bunyan that rises over Lake Bemidji in Minnesota.

Now here's why this gets funny: Minnesotans have a reputation for being polite Lutherans who never swear. An ode to their wholesomeness, when Taylor comes across the huge figure of Bunyan he yells out, "Gosh darn you! Gosh darn, you all to heck!" 

I shared it on Facebook—got a few likes and laughs—but then something absolutely amazing happened. My meme went VIRAL! People started sharing and tagging me left and right, and even George Takei shared it! 

But if that wasn't enough—last week the Facebook page “Best of Minnesota” shared it again, deeming it a “best” meme.

I am humbled beyond description by this honor.

I'm convinced this meme will live forever—no matter what happens to me. I guess it will be my legacy.