2024-07-23 17:33:33
US Vice President Kamala Harris has gone viral with an unusual remark about coconut trees. This is what’s behind it.
A viral internet meme about Kamala Harris is currently causing a stir online. The background to this trend revolves around a fleeting remark about coconuts from last year. But what is behind this statement and why is it now making its way through social media?
In May 2023, Kamala Harris gave a speech about promoting educational equality and equal opportunities for Hispanic Americans. During her speech, she also addressed the issue of equity in the educational system. She emphasized that not everyone starts out on the same terms and that more than just financial resources are needed to achieve true equality.
In this context, Harris told an anecdote from her childhood. Her mother often said to her and her siblings: “I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. Do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” This comment was meant to illustrate that people must always be viewed in the context of their environment and their origins.
This quote already caused a smile back then, but now it is unexpectedly gaining popularity. After US President Joe Biden announced that he would not run for re-election and would instead support Kamala Harris, the “coconut palm meme” literally exploded on social media. Numerous humorous clips and memes based on Harris’ statements spread, especially on platforms such as TikTok and X.
Influencers and young people used these moments to portray Harris as an “approachable” and “fun” candidate – a contrast to the often formal demeanor of many politicians. Celebrities such as British pop singer Charli XCX also jumped on the bandwagon and called Harris a “brat” – a term from her new album that stands for confident women.
But the coconut tree meme didn’t just attract attention on social media – political figures also picked it up. Hawaiian Senator Brian Schatz, for example, posted a picture of himself picking coconuts with the caption: “Madam Vice President, we are ready to help.” Colorado Governor Jared Polis also used coconut emojis in his posts supporting Harris.
Even political action committees like Emily’s List showed their solidarity by adding coconut emojis to their social media handles. This kind of support not only shows the popularity of the meme, but also a strategic attempt to appeal to younger voting groups.