It all started with a movie that came out in 1988, starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, and John Amos. Coming to America was a box office hit, grossing over $288 million worldwide. The movie was a cultural milestone, portraying African culture in a positive light and featuring a Black lead in a Hollywood movie. Fast forward to 2023, and the movie has become a meme, thanks to one particular scene that has taken the internet by storm.
The Scene that Started it All
In the movie, Eddie Murphy plays the character of Prince Akeem, who hails from the fictional African country of Zamunda. As part of his journey to find true love, he travels to America with his best friend and servant, Semmi, played by Arsenio Hall. In one scene, the two characters are seen working at a fast-food restaurant called “McDowell’s” (not to be confused with McDonald’s).
As they approach the restaurant, they see a group of homeless men sitting outside, and one of them starts singing a song that goes, “She’s your queen to be, a queen to be forever, a queen who’ll do whatever, his highness desires…” The scene is memorable and catchy, and has become the basis of the meme that has taken over the internet.
The Birth of the Meme
In 2021, a TikTok user named @chrisashley posted a video of herself singing the “She’s your queen to be” song while getting ready for a night out. The video quickly went viral, with many people recreating the video and adding their own spin to it. People started using the meme to showcase their own transformations, whether it be a before-and-after makeup look, a weight loss journey, or a new haircut.
The meme started to spread across social media platforms, with people using it to share their successes and accomplishments. The simplicity of the meme made it easy for anyone to participate, and the catchy tune made it memorable.
The Impact of the Meme
The Eddie Murphy Coming to America meme has become a phenomenon, with millions of people using it across various social media platforms. The meme has become a symbol of motivation and inspiration, with people using it to showcase their own transformations and successes.
The meme has also had an impact on pop culture, with various celebrities and influencers participating in the trend. The popularity of the meme has even led to a resurgence of interest in the original movie, with many people re-watching it and rediscovering its cultural significance.
The Response from People who Know it
Many people who watched Coming to America when it first came out in 1988 are now in their 50s and 60s. They have been amazed at how the movie has stood the test of time and how the meme has brought it back into the spotlight. Some have even commented on the impact the movie had on their own lives, with one person saying, “I remember watching Coming to America when I was a kid and feeling proud to see Black people on the big screen. Now, seeing the meme being used to celebrate Black excellence is just amazing.”
Others have commented on the power of social media and memes to bring people together and celebrate positivity. One person said, “It’s amazing how a simple meme can inspire so many people and bring them together. The Eddie Murphy Coming to America meme is just one example of how social media can be used for good.”
In Conclusion
The Eddie Murphy Coming to America meme has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring millions of people to share their transformations and successes. The meme has had a positive impact on pop culture, bringing back interest in the original movie and showcasing its cultural significance. It is a testament to the power of social media and the ability of memes to bring people together and celebrate positivity.
