An erotic illustration of an anime mascot character; Rule 34 states that such illustrations can be found on any subject.
Rule 34 is anInternet meme which claims that some form ofpornography exists concerning every possible topic. The concept is commonly depicted asfan art of normally non-erotic subjects engaging in sexual activity.[1] It can also include writings, animations, images,GIFs and any other form of media to which the Internet provides opportunities for proliferation and redistribution.
History
The phraseRule 34 was coined in an August 13, 2003webcomic captioned, "Rule #34 There is porn of it. No exceptions." The comic was drawn by TangoStari (Peter Morley-Souter) to depict his shock at seeingCalvin and Hobbes parody porn.[1][2] Although the comic faded into obscurity, the caption instantly became popular on the Internet. Since then, the phrase has been adapted into different syntactic versions and has even been used as a verb.[3] A list of "rules of the Internet", created on the website4chan, includes Rule 34 within a list of similartongue-in-cheek maxims, such asRule 63.[4]
In 2008, users on 4chan posted numerous sexually explicit parodies and cartoons illustrating Rule 34; in 4chanslang, pornography may be referred to as "rule 34" or "pr0nz".[5]The Dictionary of Modern Proverbs claims that Rule 34 "began appearing on Internet postings in 2008".[6]
As Rule 34 continued spreading throughout the Internet, some traditional media began reporting on it. A 2009Daily Telegraph article listed Rule 34 as the third of the "Top 10" Internet rules and laws.[7] A 2013CNN story said Rule 34 was "likely the most famous" Internet rule that has become part of mainstream culture.[4]
According to researchersOgi Ogas and Sai Gaddam, the maxim resonated with so many people because of its apparent truth to anyone who has browsed the Internet.[2] Ogas said that following the 2009–2010 study, the consolidation of the porn industry onto large market sharevideo aggregators has reduced the visibility of the niche market videos. The sites favor mainstream content directly by steering users towards it and indirectly by disadvantaging small producers who cannot afford stronganti-piracy measures, bringing into doubt the ability of the rule being able to keep up with market.[1]
Cory Doctorow concludes, "Rule 34 can be thought of as a kind of indictment of theWeb as a cesspit of freaks, geeks, and weirdos, but seen through the lens of cosmopolitanism, bespeaks a certain sophistication—a gourmet approach to life."[11]
John Paul Stadler concluded that Rule 34 reflects the codification ofparaphilias into social identity structures.[12]
Variations
The original rule was rephrased and reiterated as it wentviral on the Web. Some common permutations omit the original "No exceptions."
The dictionary definition ofRule 34 at Wiktionary
