Back in 2016, a viral dance move and internet meme known as the “dab” took the world by storm. The move, which involves dropping one’s head while raising an arm and the opposite arm across the face in a “sneezing” motion, quickly became a sensation among celebrities, athletes, and everyday people alike. But it wasn’t until a few years later that a new iteration of the dab emerged: the “dab on them haters” meme.
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The Birth of the Meme
The origin of the “dab on them haters” meme is unclear, but it likely evolved from the original dab dance move. The concept is simple: when encountering someone who dislikes or criticizes you, you respond by performing a dab while saying “dab on them haters.” The phrase has since become a catchphrase among young people and has been used in a variety of contexts, from sports to politics to everyday life.
Reactions to the Meme
The “dab on them haters” meme has generated mixed reactions from people. Some find it hilarious and empowering, while others view it as immature and annoying. Many argue that the phrase promotes a negative and confrontational attitude towards criticism, rather than a constructive and mature approach.
One Twitter user, for example, wrote: “I’m all for standing up for yourself, but ‘dabbing on haters’ is just another way of saying ‘I can’t handle criticism’.” Another user responded: “I think it’s just a fun way to brush off negativity and show that you’re not affected by it.”
The Meme Goes Mainstream
Despite the mixed reactions, the “dab on them haters” meme continued to gain popularity and eventually made its way into mainstream media. In 2018, the phrase was featured in a commercial for Mountain Dew, which showed NBA player Joel Embiid dabbing on his haters while drinking a can of the soda. The commercial sparked controversy and accusations of cultural appropriation, as the dab and the “dab on them haters” phrase originated in black culture.
Responses from Black Creators
Many black creators and social media influencers have spoken out about the appropriation of the dab and the “dab on them haters” meme. Some argue that white people and corporations have profited off of black culture without giving credit or compensation to the originators. Others point out that the phrase promotes a dismissive and disrespectful attitude towards criticism, which can be harmful in certain contexts.
As one black Twitter user wrote: “The ‘dab on them haters’ meme is funny until it’s used to dismiss valid criticism or reinforce toxic masculinity. It’s not just a harmless joke, it has real consequences.”
The Decline of the Meme
Like all internet memes, the “dab on them haters” trend eventually lost its popularity and faded into obscurity. While some people still use the phrase and the dab dance move, it’s no longer the viral sensation it once was. However, the legacy of the meme and its cultural impact on black culture and internet culture as a whole will continue to be discussed and debated for years to come.
Final Thoughts
The “dab on them haters” meme was a product of its time, reflecting the attitudes and values of a generation of young people who grew up with the internet and social media. It was both a source of empowerment and a cause for concern, representing the complex relationship between humor, culture, and identity.
As with any meme or trend, it’s important to consider its origins, its impact, and its potential consequences. While the “dab on them haters” phrase may seem harmless and amusing on the surface, it’s worth examining the deeper meanings and messages behind it, and the ways in which it reflects and shapes our culture.
