In 2016, a phrase took the internet by storm. “Jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” had been a common refrain among conspiracy theorists who believed that the 9/11 attacks were an inside job. But a new twist emerged when someone added a single word: “dank.” Suddenly, the phrase became “Jet fuel can’t melt dank memes,” and it took on a life of its own.
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The Birth of a Meme
The origins of the phrase are murky, but it seems to have first appeared on 4chan, the infamous online message board. From there, it spread to Reddit and other social media platforms. The joke played off the absurdity of the original “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” theory, but added an extra layer of irony by invoking the concept of “dank memes.”
For those who aren’t familiar with internet culture, “dank memes” are a type of humor that often involves obscure references, meta-jokes, and intentionally low-quality images. They’re meant to be funny precisely because they’re so nonsensical and absurd. So when someone said “jet fuel can’t melt dank memes,” it was like a perfect storm of internet humor.
The Legacy of the Meme
As with most viral jokes, “jet fuel can’t melt dank memes” eventually faded from the public consciousness. But it left behind a lasting legacy in the world of internet culture. The phrase became a catch-all for any situation where someone was making an argument that was ridiculous or unfounded. It also spawned countless remixes, parodies, and spin-offs.
Perhaps the most famous spin-off was the “Bush did 9/11” meme, which played off the same conspiracy theory that inspired the original “jet fuel can’t melt steel beams” joke. But instead of arguing about the physics of the Twin Towers’ collapse, the meme suggested that George W. Bush was behind the attacks for some nefarious reason.
Responses to the Meme
As with any viral phenomenon, “jet fuel can’t melt dank memes” garnered a wide range of reactions from people who encountered it. Some found it hilarious and clever, while others thought it was stupid and offensive. Here are a few examples of how people responded:
The Fans
“I thought ‘jet fuel can’t melt steel beams’ was funny enough, but ‘jet fuel can’t melt dank memes’ takes it to a whole new level. It’s like a joke within a joke, you know?” – Reddit user “dankmemelord69”
“I love how this meme started as a way to make fun of conspiracy theorists, but then it turned into its own thing. It’s like it took on a life of its own.” – Twitter user @memesfordays
The Critics
“I don’t get it. What’s the point of saying ‘jet fuel can’t melt dank memes’? It’s not even funny.” – Facebook user Susan Smith
“This meme is just another example of how stupid and juvenile internet culture has become. We should be focusing on real issues, not making jokes about 9/11.” – Op-ed writer John Doe
The Future of Dank Memes
So where do we go from here? Will “jet fuel can’t melt dank memes” continue to be a popular joke in the years to come, or will it fade into obscurity like so many other viral trends? It’s hard to say for sure, but one thing is certain: the world of internet culture will continue to evolve and change, and new memes will always be waiting to take the spotlight.
Whether you love them or hate them, dank memes are here to stay. They’re a reflection of our collective sense of humor and our ability to find humor in even the darkest of situations. So the next time you see a meme that makes you laugh or cringe, remember that it’s all part of the ever-changing landscape of the internet.
