Статтю присвячено феномену Інтернет-фольклору, який розглядається на прикладі візуального
образу персонажа «бітард». Наведено деякі аргументи для обґрунтування доцільності вживання
поняття «Інтернет-фольклор», описано особливості комунікації через специфічний тип анонімних
форумів – іміджборд, а також процес формування фольклору іміджборд. Проаналізовано один із
елементів цього фольклору – персонаж «бітард», як відображення досвіду користувачів форумів.
Описано його визначальні риси та головні характеристики.
The article addresses the topic of the Internet folklore, approaching it with researching a character
bitard (/b/tard) which is an element of folklore created at a specific kind of anonymous forums,
imageboards.
The article starts with a brief description of current discussions regarding the possibility of applying
the term “folklore” to different kinds of the Internet users’ creativity. The author argues that memes,
copy-pasted stories, photoshoped images, comics, etc. are relevant to the basic criteria of traditional
folklore: they are collectively created, anonymous, and follow certain canons of the Internet “culture.”
An example of creative communication at the imageboards is used to prove the argument. The most
popular imageboards are by default anonymous and often become a place for collective creation of new
memes and stories.
One of the main characters of the imageboards narrative is ‘bitard’, a word used for identifying
visitors of /b/ (random) section of the imageboards. The article researches the bitard as a folklore
character via its visual representation. The author highlights the main feature of the bitard, a paper bag
on the head, which shows its principal anonymity and performs the same function as the interface of the
imageboard, hiding the bitard`s identity. Another highlighted feature is a home bathrobe and slippers,
symbolizing the absence of an ability or willingness to go out. The author argues that the main
characteristics of the bitard are anonymity, self-isolation, social disadaptation, and arrogance.
Thus the bitard as a folklore character is a representation of the experience lived through by the users
of the imageboards; he is a new kind of hero, created by the modern world, harsh in its professional and
personal competitiveness, and at the same time ready to deliver the whole amount of experiences, pleasures,
and relationships into one’s room through the Internet cable.
