In American politics, humor has always been a powerful tool for connection and engagement. Recently, “coconut tree” jokes about Vice President Kamala Harris have made headlines. What started as a series of lighthearted quips referencing her multicultural heritage quickly evolved into a viral sensation, sparking debates and discussions across social media platforms. But where did these jokes originate? Read on to learn more about the trending jokes and why they have resonated with so many people, especially the younger generations.
The Birth of the Coconut Tree Jokes
The “coconut tree” jokes involving Kamala Harris stem from a speech she gave in May 2023 at a White House event focused on advancing educational equity for Hispanic Americans. During her speech, Kamala emphasized equity, noting that “not everybody starts out on the same base.” To prove her point, she shared a piece of advice her mother used to give.
“If you’re giving everybody an equal amount, but they’re starting out on different bases, are they really going to have the opportunity to compete and achieve?” the vice president asked. “And it’s not just simply about financial resources … but it’s also about — what is the culture of the environment. None of us just live in a silo. Everything is in context.”
Harris continued. “My mother used to — she would give us a hard time sometimes — and she would say to us, ‘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 humorous remark was intended to highlight the importance of context in understanding individual experiences and opportunities, emphasizing that people do not exist in isolation from their backgrounds and histories.
Despite the serious undertones of her message, the clip was quickly seized upon by social media users, leading to a surge of memes and jokes. Initially, the clip was shared by the GOP War Room, which aimed to portray Harris in a negative light. However, the opposite effect occurred as the clip resonated with audiences, transforming it into a symbol of relatability and humor.
The Meme Takes Off
The meme gained significant traction following President Joe Biden’s announcement that he would not seek reelection and would endorse Harris as his successor. This pivotal moment marked the resurgence of the “coconut tree” jokes, leading to a flurry of social media activity. Politicians and supporters alike began to use coconut emojis and references to coconut trees in their posts, signaling a lighthearted yet supportive stance toward Harris’ potential candidacy.
For instance, Colorado Governor Jared Polis tweeted a combination of coconut, palm tree, and American flag emojis shortly after Biden’s announcement.
— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) July 21, 2024
A balding governor with a buzz cut and the next President of the United States @KamalaHarris 🥥 🌴 pic.twitter.com/y9FORDVMHF
— Jared Polis (@jaredpolis) July 21, 2024
Similarly, Senator Brian Schatz from Hawaii shared a photo of himself climbing a palm tree, captioning it, “Madam Vice President, we are ready to help.” These playful interactions illustrate how the coconut tree meme has transcended its original context, becoming a rallying cry for Harris’s supporters.
Madam Vice President, we are ready to help. pic.twitter.com/y8baSx44FL
— Brian Schatz (@brianschatz) July 22, 2024
Cultural Impact and Pop Culture Integration
The coconut tree meme has not only found a place in political discourse but has also permeated popular culture. TikTok users have creatively remixed Harris’ speech with popular songs, including Charli XCX’s Brat and Taylor Swift’s Shake It Off. These mashups have contributed to the meme’s virality, making it a staple of summer 2024 internet culture. The playful nature of these remixes has helped to position Harris as a relatable figure, appealing particularly to younger audiences who engage with political content through humor and creativity.
Prior to the emergence of the “coconut tree” jokes, several other phrases uttered by Harris have become a viral hit on social media in the past. For instance, when she and Biden won the national elections in November 2020, a video of Harris saying “We did it, Joe” went viral on X. Also, the go-to Harris line of “I can imagine what can be, unburdened by what has been” has enjoyed a new round of popularity this election cycle.