The year 2023 saw the rise of a new meme that took the internet by storm – the “That’s the Way It Is” meme. The meme features a clip of Walter Cronkite, a renowned news anchor from the 1960s, saying “That’s the way it is” followed by a caption that usually mocks a current news event or trend.
The origins of the meme can be traced back to a Reddit thread where a user posted a clip of Cronkite saying the phrase. The post received thousands of upvotes and comments, with users suggesting different captions for the clip. From there, the meme spread like wildfire, with variations popping up on Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.
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What Makes the “That’s the Way It Is” Meme So Popular?
One reason for the meme’s popularity is its versatility. The clip of Cronkite saying “That’s the way it is” can be applied to a variety of situations, from politics to pop culture. The meme has also resonated with younger generations who may not be familiar with Cronkite but still find the clip amusing.
Another factor contributing to the meme’s success is nostalgia. Many users who grew up watching Cronkite on the news have fond memories of him and are happy to see him being celebrated in a new way.
Examples of the “That’s the Way It Is” Meme in Action
Here are a few examples of how the “That’s the Way It Is” meme has been used:
Politics
Caption: “When you realize the only thing standing between you and the presidency is millions of votes”
This caption was paired with a clip of Cronkite saying “That’s the way it is” to mock politicians who are out of touch with the voting public.
Pop Culture
Caption: “When you finally get your hands on the new iPhone but it’s already outdated”
This caption was used to poke fun at the rapid pace of technological advancement and how quickly new products become obsolete.
Reactions to the Meme
The “That’s the Way It Is” meme has received mixed reactions from those who are familiar with it. Some people appreciate the humor and creativity of the meme, while others feel that it is disrespectful to Cronkite and his legacy.
“As someone who grew up watching Walter Cronkite, I find this meme to be in poor taste,” said one Reddit user. “He was a respected journalist who took his job very seriously, and to see his image being used to mock current events is disheartening.”
However, others argue that the meme is a harmless way to pay homage to Cronkite and bring attention to important issues.
“I think the meme is hilarious and a great way to get people talking about current events,” said another Reddit user. “Cronkite would have wanted us to keep questioning the status quo and challenging authority, and this meme is a perfect example of that.”
How to Create Your Own “That’s the Way It Is” Meme
If you want to join in on the “That’s the Way It Is” meme trend, here’s how to do it:
- Find a clip of Walter Cronkite saying “That’s the way it is” on YouTube or another video sharing platform.
- Think of a caption that relates to a current news event or trend.
- Use a video editing tool like iMovie or Adobe Premiere to add the caption to the clip.
- Share your meme on social media and see how people react!
Conclusion
The “That’s the Way It Is” meme has taken the internet by storm in 2023, with users from all over the world creating their own variations of the meme. While it has received some criticism from those who feel that it is disrespectful to Walter Cronkite, others view it as a harmless way to bring attention to important issues. Regardless of how you feel about the meme, it’s clear that it has captured the attention of millions of people and will likely continue to be a popular trend for years to come.
