In 2021, a viral TikTok video featuring a girl dancing to a remix of Michael Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal” took the internet by storm. The video, which quickly became known as the “Annie Are You OK” meme, featured the girl performing a series of elaborate dance moves while wearing a yellow hoodie and black leggings. Within days, the video had been viewed millions of times and the “Annie Are You OK” meme was born.
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The Birth of a Meme
The girl in the video, whose real name is Jalaiah Harmon, was just 14 years old when she created the dance that would eventually become the “Annie Are You OK” meme. Harmon, who is from Atlanta, Georgia, posted the original dance on the video-sharing app Funimate in 2019. The dance quickly gained popularity on the app, but it wasn’t until TikTok user @global.jones posted a video of herself performing the dance in February 2021 that it really took off. Within days, countless other TikTok users had posted their own versions of the dance, and the meme had spread to other social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram. The “Annie Are You OK” meme was everywhere, and Harmon became an overnight sensation.
The Dark Side of Viral Fame
While Harmon was undoubtedly thrilled to see her dance become so popular, the sudden fame also came with a dark side. Many people who shared the meme on social media platforms like Twitter and Instagram failed to credit Harmon for creating the dance, and she was largely left out of the conversation surrounding the meme. Harmon later spoke out about the experience, saying that it was “disappointing” to see so many people share her dance without giving her credit. She also noted that she had been creating dances on social media for years before the “Annie Are You OK” meme went viral, but had never received anywhere near the same level of attention.
The Aftermath
Despite the negative aspects of her viral fame, Harmon continued to dance and create content on social media. She even landed a spot on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where she performed her “Renegade” dance and was surprised with a $10,000 scholarship from the show. Today, Harmon has over 4 million followers on TikTok and is considered one of the app’s most popular creators. She continues to create and share new dances with her followers, and has even become something of a spokesperson for the importance of giving credit to creators on social media.
What People are Saying
Many people have praised Harmon for her talent and dedication to her craft, and have criticized those who failed to credit her for creating the “Annie Are You OK” dance. Here are just a few of the comments that have been shared on social media: – “Jalaiah Harmon is an amazing dancer and deserves all the credit she’s finally getting. It’s about time people started recognizing her talent.” – @dancer4life on Twitter – “The fact that Jalaiah Harmon wasn’t getting credit for her own dance is a perfect example of how Black creators are often overlooked in the world of social media.” – @blackgirlmagic on Instagram – “I’m so glad that Jalaiah Harmon is finally getting the recognition she deserves. She’s an incredible dancer and a true inspiration.” – @dancequeen on TikTok
Lessons Learned
The “Annie Are You OK” meme girl saga serves as an important reminder of the power of social media and the importance of giving credit where credit is due. It also highlights the need for more diversity and representation in the world of social media, and the importance of supporting young creators who are just starting out. As we move forward into the future, let’s remember the lessons that we’ve learned from this experience and work to create a more inclusive and supportive online community. And let’s never forget the incredible talent and dedication of Jalaiah Harmon, the girl behind the “Annie Are You OK” meme.
