The “brat summer” TikTok trend helped start Kamala Harris campaign memes
Breaking News: Kamala Harris Launches Presidential Campaign with Neon Green Banner
On Monday, a surprising turn of events unfolded as President Biden’s former campaign profile on social media service X became the new digital home for Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. The profile now displays a vibrant neon green banner that boldly proclaims “kamala hq,” signaling the official launch of Harris’ presidential bid. This move not only marks the beginning of Harris’ campaign but also positions her as the latest icon of Gen Z’s “brat summer” phenomenon.
The term “brat summer” refers to British pop star Charli XCX’s latest album “BRAT,” which captures the essence of a summer filled with rebellious fun, intense partying, and the messy aspects of womanhood such as complex relationships and jealousy. Prior to her campaign launch, TikTok users had already embraced Harris by creating delightful edits of her dancing and laughing. However, the viral explosion of these videos coincided with the news of Biden’s exit from the race and his endorsement of Harris.
The decision to adopt a neon green banner for Harris’ campaign directly aligns with the current trend inspired by Charli XCX’s album cover. Many of the viral TikTok edits featuring Harris prominently feature neon green elements, incorporating popular songs from the album and the widely popular “coconut tree” clip that has been memed across social media platforms. The campaign’s neon green aesthetic pays homage to the album while capturing the playful and energetic spirit of Gen Z supporters.
One of the standout moments from Harris’ campaign launch came from a speech where she shared a humorous anecdote from her mother. She recounted her mother’s words: “‘I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?’ You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you.” This lighthearted moment not only endeared Harris to her audience but also highlighted her ability to connect with voters on a personal level.
The internet has been awash with entertaining and lively videos featuring Harris, with one particular video amassing over 2 million views and 500,000 likes. The hashtag #kamalaharris has been trending on TikTok, garnering more than 101 million views and over 9,000 posts in the past week alone. Harris’ newfound popularity among Gen Z users and social media enthusiasts is evident in the creative and engaging content being shared across various platforms.
Charli XCX, the mastermind behind the “brat” concept, defines it as being unapologetically messy, enjoying parties, and occasionally making silly remarks. Interestingly, she herself bestowed the title of “brat” upon Harris, declaring, “kamala IS brat.” This endorsement from a popular artist like Charli XCX further solidifies Harris’ position as a relatable and vibrant figure within the younger demographic.
Several viral posts have cleverly incorporated pop songs like Chappell Roan’s “Femininomenon” with Harris quotes, successfully boosting her visibility and appeal among diverse audiences. This surge in online engagement marks a significant departure from the administration’s recent challenges and Harris’ previous unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination in 2020.
Public sentiment among Gen Z individuals appears to favor a more spirited and dynamic approach to governance, with the youth organization Dream for America boldly proclaiming, “gen-z wants a brat presidency.” This shift in attitude towards leadership style aligns with Harris’ campaign strategy, which aims to resonate with younger voters and harness the power of social media influence.
Furthermore, Harris’ embrace of the viral trend has extended beyond her campaign to other members of the Democratic Party. The Democratic Lieutenant Governors Association, for instance, is actively promoting “demo(brat)” merchandise, encouraging supporters to rally behind Harris and Democratic candidates in the upcoming election.
As the buzz surrounding Harris continues to grow, there is a renewed sense of optimism among Democrats, particularly amidst concerns about President Biden’s age and recent challenges faced by the party. The resurgence of enthusiasm for Harris’ candidacy serves as a beacon of hope for Democrats seeking a fresh perspective and a dynamic leader to champion their cause.
