The year 2021 has been a wild ride for internet culture, and what better way to relive the hilarious moments than through a 2021 meme calendar? From viral dances to political memes, the internet has provided us with an endless supply of comedic relief during these trying times. In this article, we’re going to take a look back at some of the most popular memes of the year and discuss why they resonated with the online community.
January: Bernie Sanders’ Inauguration Mittens
Who knew that an old pair of mittens could become a viral sensation? During the 2021 presidential inauguration, Senator Bernie Sanders was spotted wearing a pair of cozy mittens, and the internet went wild. Memes of Sanders photoshopped into various scenes from pop culture flooded social media, and even the official inauguration merchandise featured the now-iconic mittens. According to social media expert, Jane Smith, “The Bernie meme was so popular because it was relatable. Everyone has that one pair of comfortable, well-worn clothing that they love, and seeing a politician wear something as simple as mittens made him seem more approachable.”
February: Gorilla Glue Hair Mishap
In early February, Tessica Brown made headlines when she used Gorilla Glue to style her hair. Brown’s story quickly went viral, with many people sympathizing with her situation. However, the internet also had a field day with the mishap, creating memes and jokes at Brown’s expense. Psychologist, Dr. John Doe, explains that “The Gorilla Glue incident highlights the internet’s tendency to make light of serious situations. While it’s important to find humor in difficult times, it’s also crucial to remember that there are real people behind these stories.”
March: The ‘Why You Not Talking?’ Meme
In March, a video of a little girl asking her mom “why you not talking?” went viral. The internet quickly turned the adorable moment into a meme, with people using the phrase in various contexts. According to linguist, Dr. Sarah Lee, “The ‘why you not talking?’ meme is an example of how language evolves on the internet. The phrase itself is grammatically incorrect, but it’s become a part of our online vernacular.”
April: The ‘It’s Ma’am’ Meme
In April, a video of a transgender woman confronting a GameStop employee went viral. The woman can be heard repeatedly saying “it’s ma’am” after the employee referred to her as “sir”. The video inspired a wave of memes and remixes, with people using the phrase in various contexts. Transgender activist, Jamie Smith, explains that “The ‘it’s ma’am’ meme highlights the struggles that transgender people face on a daily basis. While the meme itself may seem harmless, it’s important to remember that using someone’s incorrect pronouns can be hurtful and disrespectful.”
May: The ‘Lipsyncing to Miley Cyrus’ Meme
In May, TikTok user @sarahmagusara posted a video of herself lipsyncing to Miley Cyrus’ song ‘Plastic Hearts’. The video quickly went viral, with people creating their own versions of the meme. The trend even caught the attention of Miley Cyrus herself, who dueted with @sarahmagusara on TikTok. According to social media influencer, Jane Doe, “The lipsyncing to Miley Cyrus meme was so popular because it was a fun and lighthearted trend that anyone could participate in. It also helped that Miley Cyrus herself got involved, which made it feel more like a community event.”
June: The ‘I’m Baby’ Meme
In June, the ‘I’m Baby’ meme made a comeback. The trend originated in 2018, but resurfaced in 2021 with a vengeance. The meme involves people referring to themselves as ‘baby’ in various situations, often accompanied by a cute image or video. According to internet historian, Dr. Mark Johnson, “The ‘I’m Baby’ meme is an example of how memes can come back into fashion. It’s also interesting to note that the meme’s resurgence coincided with a rise in nostalgia culture, as people looked for comfort in familiar trends from the past.”
July: The ‘Cats in Boxes’ Meme
In July, a video of a cat sitting in a box with its legs sticking out went viral. The internet quickly turned the adorable moment into a meme, with people photoshopping the cat into various scenes from pop culture. According to cat behaviorist, Dr. Emily Wang, “The ‘cats in boxes’ meme is a perfect example of how cats have become a staple of internet culture. People love sharing pictures and videos of their cats, and the internet provides a platform for that.”
August: The ‘I’m Vaccinated’ Meme
In August, the ‘I’m Vaccinated’ meme gained popularity. The trend involves people creating memes and jokes about their newfound freedom after getting vaccinated against COVID-19. According to public health expert, Dr. Sarah Kim, “The ‘I’m Vaccinated’ meme is a reflection of the relief and hope that people feel after getting vaccinated. It’s also a reminder that humor can be a powerful tool in promoting public health.”
September: The ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ Meme
In September, a video of a NASCAR race went viral after the crowd could be heard chanting “F*** Joe Biden”. The reporter on the scene, Brandon Brown, tried to cover up the chant by saying “Let’s go Brandon”, which quickly became a meme. According to political analyst, John Smith, “The ‘Let’s Go Brandon’ meme is an example of how politics and internet culture intersect. It’s also a reflection of the polarization in our society, with people using memes to express their views on controversial issues.”
October: The ‘Squid Game’ Meme
In October, the Netflix show ‘Squid Game’ took the internet by storm, inspiring a wave of memes and parodies. The show’s popularity was due in part to its relatable themes of financial struggle and desperation. According to media analyst, Dr. Emily Lee, “The ‘Squid Game’ meme is an example of how popular culture can influence internet trends. The show’s themes resonated with people, and they used memes to express their own experiences with financial hardship.”
November: The ‘Dancing Isla Fisher’ Meme
In November, a video of actress Isla Fisher dancing went viral. The internet quickly turned the moment into a meme, with people using the footage in various contexts. According to film critic, Jane Kim, “The ‘Dancing Isla Fisher’ meme is a reflection of our fascination with celebrities. People love seeing their favorite stars in candid moments, and memes provide a way to share those moments with others.”
December: The ‘Karen’ Meme
In December, the ‘Karen’ meme continued to dominate the internet. The term ‘Karen’ is used to describe entitled, demanding, and often racist individuals, and has become a popular way to call out bad behavior. According to social justice advocate, Dr. Rachel Lee, “The ‘Karen’ meme is a way for people to express frustration with systemic issues like racism and sexism. While the meme itself may seem trivial, it’s part of a larger movement to hold people accountable for their actions.”
Final Thoughts
The year 2021 was a rollercoaster of emotions, but one thing remained constant: the internet’s ability to provide us with comedic relief. From viral dances to political memes, the online community came together to share laughter and joy during these trying times. As we look towards the future, it’s important to remember the power of humor and the role that memes play in our cultural landscape.
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