This summer, you probably spent endless hours scrolling your TikTok “For You Page” watching clips of former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden arguing about golf during the presidential debate, anxiously waiting for Taylor Swift to announce her next re-released album, staring apprehensively at the summer reading books you tossed on your desk on June first. I know I did. But, on July 21st, I opened up TikTok to a meme of Kamala Harris’ gut deep laugh with millions of views, likes, comments, and shares. What was so special about a meme referencing coconut trees?
On May 10, 2023, Vice President Harris “gave remarks during a swearing-in ceremony for commissioners of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics” (Vogue). She spoke about the importance of having a community to support underprivileged Hispanic students, and, in turn, how the community could be better supported as well. She called upon a phrase her mother would constantly tell her as a child which essentially explains how we all stand on the shoulders of generations of hard work, hence the now viral line, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree? You exist in the context of all in which you live and everything that came before you.”
This meme quickly went viral along with the possibility of Vice President Kamala Harris being the Democratic presidential candidate. People all over the world analyzed her laugh and pored through interviews and speeches that she was a part of, trying to find another TikTok worthy campaign push. The coconut tree meme is the foundation for a key part of Kamala Harris’ campaign – reflecting what has happened and moving forward. This line illustrates the meaning of knowing one’s history, flaws, achievements, and grievances, and using them as fuel to continue on. Avoiding the past is not Kamala Harris’ message – acknowledging that we are all standing on the shoulders of giants is; we did not get here on our own and we will not get anywhere without each other.
The coconut tree meme is rapidly becoming a symbol for the future of Harris’ America. Governors, politicians, and artists are all posting the coconut tree emoji with the American flag, signifying their support for Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election. A simple meme has transformed a generation of voters, bringing light to the power of social media. I can imagine my feed flooded with coconut trees and campaign videos as we get closer and closer to election day, giving me hope for the next chapter of our country.
Works Cited
https://www.vogue.com/article/the-viral-kamala-harris-coconut-tree-meme-explained
