Papers, Please: The Citation Meme Explained

Hey guys! If you've been scrolling through the internet lately, especially if you're into gaming memes, you've probably stumbled upon the Papers, Please citation meme. It's everywhere, and it's hilarious! But what exactly is it, and why is it so popular? Let's dive deep into the origins, the humor, and the enduring appeal of this iconic meme.

What is Papers, Please?

Before we dissect the meme, let's get everyone on the same page about the game itself. Papers, Please is a dystopian puzzle simulation video game developed by Lucas Pope and released in 2013. You play as an immigration inspector at a border checkpoint in the fictional communist state of Arstotzka. Your job is to process entrants by checking their documents against a constantly evolving set of rules and regulations. Seems simple, right? Wrong! The game is incredibly tense, morally challenging, and surprisingly engaging.

The Gameplay

The core gameplay involves meticulously examining passports, visas, entry permits, and other documents. You need to verify names, dates, photos, and other details, all while looking for discrepancies. As the game progresses, new rules are introduced, such as requiring specific vaccinations, banning certain nationalities, or searching for terrorists and criminals. The pressure is always on, as you're paid per processed entrant, and you need to earn enough to keep your family alive. No pressure, right? One wrong move, and you could face penalties, costing you precious credits. Arstotzka demands accuracy!

Moral Dilemmas

What makes Papers, Please truly special is its moral complexity. You're constantly faced with tough choices. Do you follow the rules to the letter, even if it means turning away desperate refugees? Do you risk your own safety to help someone in need? Do you turn a blind eye to corruption in exchange for a better life for your family? These dilemmas add a layer of depth to the game that goes far beyond simple document checking. The game forces you to confront your own values and make difficult decisions with real consequences. Every choice matters, and the weight of those choices is palpable throughout the entire experience.

The Origin of the Citation Meme

The citation meme stems directly from the gameplay of Papers, Please. As an inspector, you have the power to detain individuals who violate the entry regulations. When you find a discrepancy in their documents, you can issue a citation, which leads to their detention. This action, combined with the game's stark, bureaucratic interface, creates a perfect storm for meme-worthy content. Glory to Arstotzka, and glory to the citation meme! This mechanic is central to the inspector's role, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and adherence to the state's stringent rules. The act of issuing a citation, therefore, becomes symbolic of authority and control within the game's universe. The process is so meticulous and the consequences so severe that it naturally lends itself to humorous and ironic interpretations.

The Key Elements

The meme typically involves taking a real-world situation and framing it as a violation of Arstotzkan law. For example, someone might post a picture of a messy desk with the caption, "Citation: Insufficient organizational documentation." Or, you might see a photo of a badly parked car with the caption, "Citation: Improper vehicle placement. Detention warranted." The humor lies in the juxtaposition of mundane, everyday occurrences with the serious, authoritarian tone of the game. The dry, bureaucratic language used in the game adds to the comedic effect, making even the most trivial infractions seem grave. This contrast between the ordinary and the absurd is what makes the meme so relatable and funny.

Why It Resonates

The citation meme resonates with so many people because it taps into a few key themes. First, it pokes fun at bureaucracy and red tape. We've all experienced the frustration of dealing with complex rules and regulations, whether it's at work, in school, or in government offices. The meme allows us to laugh at these absurdities and find a common ground in our shared experiences. Additionally, the meme plays on our love of video games and internet culture. By referencing Papers, Please, it creates an inside joke that only those familiar with the game will fully appreciate. This sense of belonging and shared humor is a powerful draw for online communities.

Examples of the Citation Meme

Let's look at some popular examples of the Papers, Please citation meme to get a better understanding of its versatility and humor.

Common Scenarios

• Messy Room: A classic example is a photo of a cluttered room with the caption: "Citation: Unacceptable living conditions. Immediate cleaning required." This highlights the contrast between the mundane mess and the stern, official tone.
• Bad Parking: Another frequent subject is poor parking jobs. A picture of a car taking up two spaces might be captioned: "Citation: Improper vehicle placement. Driver license revoked."
• Grammar Mistakes: Grammar and spelling errors are also ripe for parody. A screenshot of a social media post with typos could be labeled: "Citation: Grammatical inaccuracies. Remedial education mandated."
• Workplace Issues: Office-related situations, such as a coworker leaving dirty dishes in the sink, are also popular. The caption might read: "Citation: Failure to maintain cleanliness standards. Mandatory dishwashing duty assigned."

Creative Variations

Beyond the common scenarios, the citation meme has also inspired some truly creative variations. For example, some people have created custom citation templates that mimic the look and feel of the game's interface. These templates can be used to generate personalized citations for friends, family, or coworkers. Others have incorporated characters and elements from Papers, Please into their memes, such as the iconic guard or the ever-watchful eyes of Arstotzka. These creative adaptations demonstrate the meme's adaptability and its ability to evolve over time. The possibilities are endless, limited only by the imagination of the meme creators.

The Enduring Appeal

So, why does the Papers, Please citation meme continue to be popular years after the game's release? Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal.

Relatability

As mentioned earlier, the meme's relatability is a major factor. We can all identify with the frustrations of bureaucracy, the absurdity of petty rules, and the challenges of everyday life. The meme provides a way to laugh at these experiences and find humor in the mundane.

Versatility

The meme's versatility is another key to its longevity. It can be applied to a wide range of situations, from the trivial to the serious. Whether you're poking fun at a messy desk or commenting on a political issue, the citation meme can be adapted to fit the context.

Nostalgia

For those who have played Papers, Please, the meme also evokes a sense of nostalgia. It reminds them of the game's unique atmosphere, its challenging gameplay, and its thought-provoking themes. This nostalgia helps to keep the meme alive and relevant in online communities.

The Power of Shared Humor

Finally, the Papers, Please citation meme thrives on the power of shared humor. It's an inside joke that brings people together and fosters a sense of community. When you see someone post a citation meme, you know that they're part of the same tribe, that they understand the reference, and that they share your sense of humor. This sense of connection is what makes memes so powerful and enduring.

Conclusion

The Papers, Please citation meme is more than just a funny internet trend. It's a reflection of our shared experiences, our frustrations with bureaucracy, and our love of video games and internet culture. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatability, its versatility, and its ability to bring people together through shared humor. So, the next time you see a citation meme, take a moment to appreciate its cleverness and its cultural significance. Glory to Arstotzka, and may your documents always be in order! And remember, always double-check your passport – you never know when an overzealous inspector might be lurking around the corner with a citation in hand.