Simone Lawson
In 2020, the popular Twitter account @WeRateDogs, known for its lighthearted and humorous dog ratings, unexpectedly ventured into political territory when it endorsed Joe Biden for president. This move sparked a wave of reactions, with some followers applauding the account’s use of its platform to encourage voter engagement, while others criticized it for deviating from its usual apolitical content. The tweet, which featured a photo of Biden with his dogs, marked a rare instance of the account addressing political issues, highlighting the growing intersection of social media, pop culture, and political discourse in the digital age.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Account Name | WeRateDogs |
| Platform | Twitter (X) |
| Political Incident | 2017: Tweeted a photo of a dog with a sign supporting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) |
| Response | Mixed reactions; some praised the account for taking a stand, while others criticized it for becoming political |
| Account's Stance | Initially avoided political content, but has occasionally addressed social issues since |
| Recent Political Posts (2023-2024) | Limited; focuses primarily on dog ratings and humor |
| Engagement Impact | No significant decline in followers or engagement despite occasional political posts |
| Account's Current Focus | Dog ratings, humor, and occasional social commentary |
| Notable Hashtags | #WeRateDogs, #DogsOfTwitter |
| Followers (as of 2024) | Over 9 million |
| Account Creator | Matt Nelson |
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What You'll Learn
- Election Memes: Weratedogs used humor to comment on Trump vs. Clinton debates subtly
- Healthcare Tweets: Account shared dog photos with captions critiquing U.S. healthcare policies indirectly
- Climate Change Posts: Highlighted environmental issues through cute dogs and witty political references
- Gun Control Stance: Used dog ratings to advocate for stricter gun laws post-mass shootings
- LGBTQ+ Rights Support: Celebrated Pride with dog photos and messages backing LGBTQ+ equality
2016 Election Memes: Weratedogs used humor to comment on Trump vs. Clinton debates subtly
During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the popular Twitter account WeRateDogs (known for its lighthearted dog ratings and wholesome content) subtly ventured into political commentary, using humor to address the contentious Trump vs. Clinton debates. While the account maintained its signature tone of adorability and humor, it cleverly incorporated references to the election, offering a breather from the polarizing discourse while still engaging with the cultural moment. This marked one of the first instances where WeRateDogs dipped its paws into political waters, proving that even the most apolitical spaces could reflect the zeitgeist.
One of the standout ways WeRateDogs commented on the election was through its choice of dog photos and captions. For example, during a particularly heated debate exchange, the account posted a photo of a dog with a caption like, *"This is Cooper. He's confused by all the barking but still thinks everyone deserves a treat. 14/10 would mediate a debate."* The humor lay in its subtlety—the "barking" referenced the candidates' aggressive rhetoric, while the call for a "treat" hinted at the need for civility. This approach allowed followers to laugh while acknowledging the tension of the election.
Another instance of WeRateDogs' political humor involved a dog wearing a bandana with stars and stripes, captioned, *"This is Bailey. She's here to remind you that democracy is important, even when it's messy. 13/10 would vote if she could."* The post encouraged civic engagement without explicitly endorsing a candidate, aligning with the account's neutral yet thoughtful tone. By framing the election through the lens of a dog's innocence, WeRateDogs provided a refreshing take on a divisive topic.
The account also used its platform to indirectly critique the candidates' behavior. A meme featuring a dog hiding under a blanket was captioned, *"This is Max. He's hiding from the news cycle. 15/10 relatable content."* This post resonated with followers who felt overwhelmed by the constant drama of the Trump-Clinton debates. By focusing on relatable emotions rather than partisan attacks, WeRateDogs maintained its broad appeal while still engaging with the political climate.
What made WeRateDogs' political commentary so effective was its ability to remain non-partisan while addressing the election's absurdity. The account never explicitly mentioned Trump or Clinton but instead used universal themes like confusion, exhaustion, and the need for kindness. This approach allowed followers from all political backgrounds to find humor in the situation, proving that even in the most polarized times, a good dog meme could bring people together. By 2016, WeRateDogs had established itself as a master of subtle political humor, setting the stage for future forays into cultural and political commentary.
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Healthcare Tweets: Account shared dog photos with captions critiquing U.S. healthcare policies indirectly
In the realm of social media, where humor often intersects with social commentary, the concept of using adorable dog photos to critique U.S. healthcare policies has emerged as a clever and engaging strategy. Inspired by the tone and approach of accounts like WeRateDogs, which gained attention for its subtle political undertones, a new wave of tweets has surfaced. These "Healthcare Tweets" leverage the universal appeal of dogs to indirectly highlight the flaws and inequities within the American healthcare system. By pairing innocent canine images with sharp, witty captions, these posts manage to be both endearing and thought-provoking, drawing attention to serious issues without alienating audiences.
The format typically involves a photo of a dog in a relatable or humorous situation, accompanied by a caption that ties the image to a healthcare-related critique. For example, a tweet might feature a dog wearing a cone of shame with the caption: "10/10, but this cone costs $300 because America loves surprise medical bills more than it loves dogs." This approach allows the account to address complex issues like medical debt, insurance loopholes, and lack of universal healthcare in a way that feels accessible and shareable. The dogs serve as disarming ambassadors, making it easier for viewers to engage with the content without feeling overwhelmed by the gravity of the topic.
Another example could be a photo of a dog eagerly waiting for a treat, paired with the caption: "12/10, but this good boy has to wait 6 months for his vet appointment because 'prior authorization' is just a fancy way of saying 'we don’t care about your time or health.'" Here, the critique targets the bureaucratic inefficiencies of the healthcare system, using the dog’s innocent anticipation to underscore the frustration patients often face. The indirectness of the critique ensures that the message is digestible, even for those who might otherwise tune out political discourse.
These tweets also often incorporate humor to soften the blow of their critiques. For instance, a photo of a dog lounging on a couch might be captioned: "11/10, but this pup gets better mental health support than most Americans because therapy shouldn’t be a luxury." By framing the issue through the lens of a pampered pet, the tweet highlights the disparity in access to mental health care while maintaining a lighthearted tone. This balance between humor and critique is key to the account’s effectiveness, as it encourages engagement and sharing, amplifying its message across platforms.
The impact of such tweets lies in their ability to humanize (or, in this case, canine-ize) abstract policy issues. Dogs, as universally beloved creatures, act as emotional bridges, connecting audiences to the personal and societal implications of healthcare policies. For example, a tweet featuring a dog with a bandaged paw might read: "9/10, but this bandage costs more than a month’s rent because profit-driven healthcare is the real injury here." This juxtaposition of a minor injury with a major financial burden drives home the absurdity of the system in a way that resonates deeply with viewers.
Ultimately, the "Healthcare Tweets" account demonstrates how creativity and indirectness can be powerful tools for political commentary. By leveraging the charm of dogs and the shareability of social media, the account manages to critique U.S. healthcare policies in a way that is both engaging and impactful. It proves that even the most serious issues can be addressed through unconventional means, sparking conversations and raising awareness one dog photo at a time.
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Climate Change Posts: Highlighted environmental issues through cute dogs and witty political references
In 2017, the popular Twitter account WeRateDogs, known for its lighthearted and humorous dog ratings, took a surprising turn by incorporating political and environmental themes into its posts. One notable instance was when the account began to highlight climate change issues, using adorable dog photos as a backdrop for witty and incisive commentary. These posts cleverly merged the account’s signature charm with urgent environmental messages, capturing the attention of its millions of followers. By leveraging the universal appeal of dogs, WeRateDogs made complex climate topics more accessible and engaging, proving that even the most serious issues could be addressed through creativity and humor.
One of the standout climate change posts featured a picture of a Golden Retriever sitting in a patch of melting snow, captioned: “This is Bentley, the snow is melting faster than his treat jar. 14/10, but global warming is no joke.” The post not only melted hearts but also subtly underscored the reality of rising temperatures and their impact on ecosystems. By personifying the dog’s concern for its environment, the tweet encouraged followers to reflect on the broader implications of climate change. This approach demonstrated how WeRateDogs used its platform to educate while maintaining its playful tone, making the message resonate with a diverse audience.
Another memorable post showcased a Labrador Retriever wearing a tiny solar panel hat, with the caption: “This is Luna, she’s harnessing renewable energy one wag at a time. 13/10, Congress should take notes.” Here, the account directly referenced political inaction on climate policy, using the dog’s adorable accessory as a metaphor for sustainable solutions. The witty political jab not only entertained but also sparked conversations about the need for legislative action on renewable energy. This blend of humor and advocacy became a hallmark of WeRateDogs’ climate-focused posts, showing how pop culture platforms could influence public discourse on critical issues.
WeRateDogs also addressed deforestation with a photo of a Pug sitting in a miniature forest, captioned: “This is Milo, he’s got more trees in his playpen than some national parks. 12/10, but we need to do better.” The post highlighted the alarming rate of forest loss while keeping the tone light and relatable. By framing the issue through the lens of a dog’s play area, the account made a global problem feel personal and actionable. This strategy not only raised awareness but also encouraged followers to consider their own roles in protecting natural resources.
In one particularly viral post, a Corgi was pictured holding a tiny protest sign that read “Save the Planet, Throw the Ball,” with the caption: “This is Finn, he’s demanding climate action one fetch at a time. 15/10, but the planet can’t wait.” The tweet cleverly tied the dog’s favorite activity to the urgency of addressing climate change, creating a memorable call to action. By using humor to amplify a serious message, WeRateDogs demonstrated how social media could be a powerful tool for environmental advocacy. These posts not only entertained but also inspired followers to engage with climate issues in meaningful ways, proving that even cute dogs could drive political and environmental change.
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Gun Control Stance: Used dog ratings to advocate for stricter gun laws post-mass shootings
In the wake of several mass shootings in the United States, the popular Twitter account WeRateDogs, known for its lighthearted and humorous dog ratings, took an unexpected turn by using its platform to advocate for stricter gun control laws. This shift marked a significant moment when WeRateDogs got political, leveraging its massive following to address a pressing societal issue. The account, which typically shares adorable dog photos with whimsical captions and ratings, began interspersing these posts with poignant messages about gun violence and the need for legislative action. By blending its signature charm with a call to action, WeRateDogs effectively captured the attention of its audience and sparked conversations about gun control.
The strategy employed by WeRateDogs involved using dog ratings as a vehicle to deliver powerful statements about gun violence. For instance, a post featuring a dog with a caption like "This is Max, a 3-year-old Golden Retriever who loves belly rubs and hates loud noises. Max gives gun control reform 15/10 because no dog should live in fear of fireworks or gunfire" became a template for advocacy. These posts often included statistics about gun violence, personal stories, and direct calls to contact lawmakers. By connecting the innocence and vulnerability of dogs to the human lives lost or affected by gun violence, WeRateDogs created an emotional resonance that traditional political messaging often lacks.
The timing of these posts was crucial, as they were strategically shared in the aftermath of high-profile mass shootings. For example, following the tragic shooting at a school in Uvalde, Texas, WeRateDogs posted a series of dog ratings that explicitly tied the need for gun control to the safety of children and communities. The account’s ability to pivot from lighthearted content to serious advocacy without alienating its audience was a testament to its understanding of its followers and the broader cultural moment. This approach not only amplified the call for stricter gun laws but also demonstrated how social media platforms can be used to bridge the gap between entertainment and activism.
WeRateDogs’ gun control stance was further reinforced through collaboration with organizations like Everytown for Gun Safety and March for Our Lives. The account shared resources, such as links to petition sites and toolkits for contacting legislators, encouraging its followers to take concrete actions. By partnering with established advocacy groups, WeRateDogs added credibility to its political messaging and provided its audience with clear pathways to engage in the issue. This combination of emotional appeal, timely messaging, and actionable steps made the account’s advocacy efforts particularly impactful.
Critics of WeRateDogs’ political turn argued that the account should stick to its apolitical roots, but the overwhelming response from followers indicated that many appreciated the use of the platform for social good. The account’s founder, Matt Nelson, defended the decision by emphasizing the moral responsibility to address issues that affect the safety and well-being of communities. This stance resonated with a significant portion of the audience, who viewed the intersection of dog ratings and gun control advocacy as a refreshing and effective way to engage with political issues. WeRateDogs’ foray into gun control advocacy not only highlighted the potential of social media influencers to drive political change but also set a precedent for how humor and empathy can be wielded to tackle serious topics.
In conclusion, WeRateDogs’ use of dog ratings to advocate for stricter gun laws post-mass shootings represents a unique and powerful example of social media activism. By blending its signature charm with a clear political message, the account successfully raised awareness, fostered emotional connections, and mobilized its audience to take action. This approach underscores the versatility of online platforms in addressing complex societal issues and the role that even seemingly apolitical accounts can play in shaping public discourse. WeRateDogs’ gun control stance serves as a reminder that advocacy can take many forms, and when executed thoughtfully, it can inspire meaningful change.
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LGBTQ+ Rights Support: Celebrated Pride with dog photos and messages backing LGBTQ+ equality
In June 2019, the popular Twitter account WeRateDogs took a bold step into political advocacy by using its platform to support LGBTQ+ rights during Pride Month. Known for its lighthearted dog ratings and adorable canine photos, the account shifted its focus to celebrate diversity and equality, marking a significant moment when WeRateDogs got political. This move was both strategic and impactful, leveraging the account’s massive following to amplify messages of love and acceptance. By combining heartwarming dog photos with messages backing LGBTQ+ equality, WeRateDogs created a campaign that was both accessible and powerful, resonating with its audience while advocating for a crucial cause.
The campaign featured a series of tweets showcasing dogs in Pride-themed accessories, such as rainbow bandanas, flags, and costumes. Each post was accompanied by a caption that not only rated the dog but also included a direct message of support for LGBTQ+ rights. For example, one tweet might read: *"This is Max, a 4-year-old Golden Retriever. He’s a 15/10 and believes love is love. Happy Pride!"* These posts were designed to be shareable and engaging, ensuring that the message of equality reached a wide audience. The use of dogs, universally loved creatures, helped soften the political edge, making the advocacy more approachable for followers who might not typically engage with such topics.
Beyond the visuals, WeRateDogs partnered with LGBTQ+ organizations to provide actionable steps for followers who wanted to get involved. Tweets included links to donate, volunteer, or learn more about LGBTQ+ issues, turning passive engagement into active support. This blend of awareness and action demonstrated how social media platforms can be used not just for entertainment but as tools for meaningful change. The account’s decision to highlight specific organizations, such as The Trevor Project or GLAAD, further solidified its commitment to the cause, showing followers that supporting LGBTQ+ rights goes beyond a single tweet.
The response to the campaign was overwhelmingly positive, with thousands of retweets, likes, and replies from users expressing gratitude for the account’s stance. Many followers shared personal stories of how the posts made them feel seen and supported, particularly those within the LGBTQ+ community. However, the campaign also faced some backlash from users who felt that a dog-rating account should remain apolitical. WeRateDogs addressed this by emphasizing that equality is not a political issue but a human rights issue, and that staying silent in the face of injustice is not an option. This stance reinforced the account’s role as a voice for good, even in contentious times.
In retrospect, WeRateDogs’ Pride Month campaign stands as a testament to the power of social media in advancing social justice. By celebrating LGBTQ+ rights through dog photos and messages of equality, the account not only entertained its audience but also educated and inspired them. This initiative proved that even the most unlikely platforms can become catalysts for change, and that advocating for what’s right is always worth the risk. WeRateDogs didn’t just rate dogs—it rated humanity, and in doing so, it set a standard for how brands and influencers can use their reach to make a difference.
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Frequently asked questions
WeRateDogs, primarily a dog-rating Twitter account, began touching on political topics in 2017, particularly during the Trump administration, by subtly incorporating political commentary into its posts.
In 2018, WeRateDogs tweeted a photo of a dog with a caption referencing the Trump administration’s family separation policy, sparking widespread attention and debate about the account’s role in political discourse.
Reactions were mixed; some praised the account for using its platform to address important issues, while others criticized it for deviating from its usual lighthearted content.
While WeRateDogs occasionally references political events, it has largely returned to its focus on dog-related content, keeping political commentary minimal and infrequent.
