Within internet culture, memes have become a powerful tool for social commentary, political satire, and entertainment. One meme that has gained significant momentum this last month is the “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme.” These viral internet jokes have not only sparked laughter but also highlighted the unique blend of humor and politics in the digital age.
Origins of the Meme
The “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme” finds its roots in the early days of Harris’s political career, but it gained widespread popularity during the 2020 United States presidential election. In a speech last year, Vice President Harris shared a saying from her mother: “I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.”
While Republicans have mocked her for the quote, many found humor in it and responded with coconut and palm-tree emojis on her posts, while also reposting clips of her speech. Some have even added the coconut tree clip to compilations of Harris moments, including her remarks about loving Venn diagrams, school buses, and Generation Z. Additionally, some Democrats have incorporated coconut trees into their endorsements of her campaign, with Sen. Brian Schatz of Hawaii even posting a picture of himself climbing a coconut tree.
The meme’s origin can be traced back to a photo of Madam Vice President Kamala Harris standing next to a coconut tree during a visit to her ancestral village in India. The image, which was meant to highlight her multicultural heritage, quickly became a canvas for internet users to create humorous and satirical content.
Evolution of the Coconut Memes
As with many memes, the “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme” evolved rapidly, taking on various forms and interpretations. Initially, the meme focused on the visual contrast between Harris and the coconut tree, often playing on stereotypes and cultural references. Some memes poked fun at her multicultural background, while others used the image to comment on political issues.
The meme also expanded beyond static images to include videos and GIFs. These dynamic versions often featured Harris interacting with the coconut tree in humorous or exaggerated ways. For example, one viral video of Harris showed her shaking the tree, causing coconuts to fall, symbolizing her ability to bring about change. Another popular GIF depicted the tree growing rapidly, representing her swift rise in the political arena.
The Role of Social Media
Social media platforms have played a crucial role in the expansion of the “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme.” Platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have served as breeding grounds for meme culture, allowing users to create, share, and remix content at an unprecedented pace. The viral meme can be attributed to the ease with which users can engage with and spread humorous content.
Additionally, social media algorithms have amplified the meme’s reach, ensuring that it appears in the feeds of millions of users worldwide. The meme’s widespread visibility has contributed to its status as a cultural phenomenon, influencing not only internet humor but also public perceptions of Kamala Harris.
And Why Are People Saying “Kamala Harris’s Brat Summer”?
We have covered the coconut tree, so now here’s a quick recap of Charli XCX’s “Brat Summer.” TikTok video users have been blending the “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree” line with songs from british pop star Charli XCX’s summer album *Brat*. Her song “Apple,” which was already gaining popularity on TikTok, fits well with the fruit theme. Charli XCX herself joined the trend, tweeting “kamala IS brat” on July 21, receiving almost 9 million views in four hours.
The #bratsummer hashtag has nearly 1 million posts on TikTok, neon brat raves have become all the rage, and anything lime-colored is now considered brat, as noted by The Guardian’s Chloe Mac Donnell. When President Joe Biden announced he was stepping down, he got his own memes (e.g., “Joever”), but Kamala and her coconut trees also became brat.
kamala IS brat
— Charli (@charli_xcx) July 22, 2024
Who is the audience?
Kamala Harris is aspiring to become the next U.S. president, and her online supporters are actively promoting her campaign for the Oval Office by sharing eye-catching memes featuring the presidential candidate.
These concise, visual pieces of curated content are designed to capture people’s attention — particularly that of young voters — and raise Harris’s profile among them.
why did I stay up till 3am making a von dutch brat coconut tree edit featuring kamala harris and why can’t I stop watching it on repeat pic.twitter.com/hqcmerD1Pb
— ryan (@ryanlong03) July 3, 2024
Intersection with Politics
The “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme” has also intersected with various political events and figures. During the 2020 presidential race, Harris’ campaign, also known as Kamala HQ, utilized social media platforms and memes to engage younger voters, particularly Gen Z. Her supporters, including political action committees like Emily’s List, used coconut-themed posts as a subtle show of support.
The meme has been featured in discussions about Harris’s role in the Democratic Party, her partnership with President Biden, and her impact on the Democratic ticket. Biden’s presidential campaign and reelection efforts have also leveraged the meme to appeal to younger voters and highlight Harris’s multicultural background and achievements.
In recent weeks, the meme has resurfaced in the context of speeches and appearances, including Harris’ speech at a White House event on advancing educational equity. Social media users, particularly TikTok users, have created videos and remixes of her speeches, incorporating coconut references and dance moves reminiscent of Britney Spears’s “Gimme More.”
In a Nutshell
The “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme” exemplifies the dynamic interplay between politics and internet culture. What began as a simple photograph has evolved into a multifaceted meme that has sparked laughter, debate, and reflection. It underscores the power of memes to shape public discourse and highlights the complexities of representing political figures in the digital age.
As memes continue to evolve and influence our understanding of politics and society, it is essential to recognize their impact and engage with them critically. The “Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme” serves as a reminder of the ways in which humor and politics intersect, offering both entertainment and insight into the world of internet culture.
