Back in 2006, the world was introduced to a hilarious meme that swept the internet like wildfire. “It’s what plants crave” was a catchphrase taken from the movie Idiocracy, and it quickly became the go-to phrase for anyone mocking society’s obsession with sugary drinks. The meme was so popular that it even spawned its own line of merchandise, including t-shirts, mugs, and stickers.
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The Birth of the Meme
Idiocracy, a satirical comedy from director Mike Judge, was a cult classic that didn’t receive much attention upon its initial release. However, over time, the film gained a following for its biting social commentary and hilarious depiction of a dystopian future where society had become incredibly dumb. One of the film’s most memorable scenes involved a character named Frito explaining that plants need electrolytes to grow, which led to the iconic exchange:
Joe: What are electrolytes? Do you even know?
Frito: It’s what they use to make Brawndo!
Joe: But why do they use them to make Brawndo?
Frito: Because Brawndo’s got electrolytes.
The absurdity of the scene, combined with the deadpan delivery of the actors, made it ripe for memeing. Soon, people were using the phrase “it’s what plants crave” to mock the idea that sugary drinks like Gatorade and Powerade were actually good for you.
The Spread of the Meme
Like many memes, “it’s what plants crave” took on a life of its own online. It started appearing in forums, chat rooms, and social media platforms like MySpace and Facebook. It was even used in political commentary, with some people using the phrase to criticize politicians who were in the pocket of big corporations.
The meme’s popularity reached a fever pitch in 2008, when a group of students at California State University, Fresno created a parody of the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland, replacing the lyrics with “It’s what plants crave.” The video went viral and has since been viewed millions of times on YouTube.
The Fall of the Meme
As with all memes, “it’s what plants crave” eventually began to lose its luster. By the early 2010s, the meme had become stale and overused, and many people had moved on to newer, fresher memes. The merchandise that had once been so popular began to collect dust on store shelves, and the phrase itself became associated with a bygone era of internet culture.
The Legacy of the Meme
Despite its decline in popularity, “it’s what plants crave” remains a beloved meme among many internet users. It’s still referenced in popular culture, and there are even some die-hard fans who continue to create new content based on the meme.
“I’ve been a fan of the ‘it’s what plants crave’ meme since it first started,” says Josh, a 30-year-old software engineer from New York. “Even though it’s not as popular as it used to be, I still use the phrase all the time. It’s just too funny to let go.”
Others, however, feel that the meme has run its course. “I think it’s time to retire the ‘it’s what plants crave’ meme,” says Sarah, a 25-year-old graphic designer from Los Angeles. “It was funny for a while, but now it just feels dated.”
The Future of Memes
As with all things internet-related, it’s impossible to predict what the future holds for memes. Some experts believe that memes will continue to be an integral part of online culture, while others think that they’ll eventually fall out of favor.
Whatever the case may be, one thing is for sure: the “it’s what plants crave” meme will always hold a special place in the hearts of internet users everywhere.
