Memes are a huge part of internet culture, blending humor and politics in ways that can be both clever and unexpected. One meme that’s been making waves recently is the Kamala Harris Coconut Tree meme. It’s become popular for different reasons, from playful teasing to full-on political commentary. But where did it come from, and how did it blow up?
The Origin of the Meme
The Kamala Harris Coconut Tree meme traces back to a speech she gave in May 2023. In that speech, Harris shared a story about something her mother used to say: “My mother used to—she would give us a hard time sometimes, and she would say to us, ‘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.” The message behind the quote was about recognizing the importance of community and the people who help shape our success.
But the internet? It zeroed in on the “fell out of a coconut tree” part, and the meme was born.
How It Took Off
As often happens online, people quickly ran with that one line. Within days, social media platforms like YouTube and X (formerly Twitter) were flooded with images, videos, and remixes using the “coconut tree” quote. Some users paired the soundbite with catchy pop songs, while others made goofy captions to exaggerate the statement. What started as a serious and motivational speech turned into a playful internet phenomenon.
The Political Reactions
Of course, because it involves a political figure, reactions to the meme were mixed. Some Republican commentators used it to mock Harris, suggesting the quote was bizarre or out of touch. On the flip side, Harris’ supporters embraced the meme and used it to rally behind her. They even linked it to the term “brat,” a term from Charli XCX’s fanbase that describes someone who’s cool, bold, and a little bit rebellious.
Charli XCX’s Involvement
The meme got an even bigger boost when pop star Charli XCX jumped in, tweeting “Kamala IS brat” after Joe Biden announced he wouldn’t be running in the 2024 election. Charli’s tweet connected Harris to the “brat” movement, which celebrates carefree and confident energy. That shout-out helped push the meme further into mainstream internet culture.
The Impact on Politics
What’s really interesting is how the meme didn’t just stay an online joke—it actually influenced political campaigns. Harris’ team even tweaked their social media presence to match the style of the meme, and many Democratic figures started using coconut tree imagery in their posts. It’s a perfect example of how something as simple as a meme can shift the tone of a political conversation and bring a bit of fun into the mix.
By Mohamed ElGhazi
