New York, July 23: Kamala Harris has ignited a wave of coconut-themed memes on social media as she launches her bid for the 2024 US Presidential elections. These quirky posts flood platforms with coconut and coconut tree emojis alongside photos of enthusiasts posing with the iconic trees.

If elected as the Democratic's official nominee, Kamala Harris would be up for a historic contest against Donald Trump. And if she wins, she will become the first woman president of the US. But, sometimes, people will look at these memes and symbols and smile about them, forgetting for a moment the stakes of politics and the 2024 US presidential election. But the question is, why did Harris begin to be associated with the coconut tree and since when? Scroll down to know all about viral meme. Kamala Harris Moves To Lock Nomination After Joe Biden Drops Out of US Presidential Election 2024 Race; Picks Up Endorsement, Campaign Cash.

How Did Kamala Harris Coconut Tree Meme Start?

The coconut craze dates back to Harris's 2023 speech, in which she humorously recalled her mother's quip: "You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?" The remark, delivered during a ceremony for the President’s Advisory Commission, has since become a rallying cry among her supporters.

"My mother ... 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?' " Kamala Harris said as she laughed. "You exist in the context of all in which you live and what came before you," she added. The internet saw a meme in the speech. Kamala Harris Could Be the First Woman To Become US President; From Victoria Woodhull to Hillary Clinton, List of Women Leaders Who Came Close or Ran for Presidency.

Coconut Tree Controversy

Despite its viral nature, the meme hasn't escaped controversy. Cybersecurity lawyer Isvari Maranwe highlighted its potentially derogatory use towards Indian Americans on TikTok, raising concerns about its unintended implications.

As Harris embarks on her campaign journey, buoyed by endorsements from influential figures like former Speaker Nancy Pelosi and President Joe Biden, the coconut meme serves as both a symbol of support and a point of debate in the online political landscape. Yet, amidst the flurry of internet antics, Harris herself has yet to publicly address the coconut meme phenomenon.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 23, 2024 08:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).