How Did Reddit React to the Government Shutdown? With Memes, of Course

Oct. 2, 2013— -- Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably well aware that the federal government shut down on Tuesday for the first time in 17 years. As a result of this political staring contest, more than 800,000 federal employees were told to stay home until the issue is resolved.

Unsurprisingly, Americans are unhappy with the federal stoppage and have taken to the various social media platforms to express their displeasure. Twitter users, for instance, have started using the hashtags #GovernmentShutdown and #Shutdown to give their two cents.

In similar fashion, Reddit users have started talking about the governmental shutdown in their preferred language: image macros. In fact, every other post on r/adviceanimals -- the biggest subreddit (or subcategory for you n00bs) for image macros -- touches upon this topic.

Some of them, like the one below, make light of the situation. Because, hey, you gotta laugh at this absurdity, right?

Other popular image macros highlight the consequences of the shutdown. Did you know, for example that today is the 123rd birthday of Yosemite National Park, one of this country’s greatest natural treasures? Too bad you can’t go to it today.

But even though the National Park Services currently don’t have any money to operate, members of Congress -- those responsible for this shutdown in the first place -- are still getting paid. Ugh. They’re worse than Scumbag Steve.

Not everyone is using image macros and memes to rag on Congress (though they should). Some redditors simply want to explain how this affects them personally.

Sucks to be that guy.

There does appear to be some semblance of the silver lining, however. One redditor expressed relief when he or she found out that their landlord was going to be cool about this whole “not getting paid” thing.

Another break in the clouds to come from this game of political chicken? It’s a perfect opportunity for Nicolas Cage to steal the Declaration of Independence.

National Treasure 3 FTW!