Ever found yourself helplessly laughing at a simple phrase suddenly gaining worldwide recognition, thanks to the internet? Welcome to the world of memes! Today, we delve into one such phenomenon, the "Come on, do something" meme, exploring its origins, spread, and cultural impact.
The "Come on, do something" meme started with a 2015 video clip from the TV show "How to Train Your Dragon 2". The scene shows dragons raring to fight, with Hiccup, the protagonist, trying to calm them with the words, "Come on, do something." The snippet was disarmingly relatable, capturing the spirit of instant, frustrated demands for action.
Origin and Initial Spread
The first step in the meme's journey began when a user on 4chan's /tv/ board shared the clip in June 2015. The caption, "Come on, do something," became an instant sensation, with users relating it to situations ranging from game playing to life scenarios demanding action.
The meme's spread was initially boosted by Reddit. Users shared their relatable situations, often accompanied by the "Come on, do something" scream. The meme format typically features an image with the scene, followed by a text overlay of the caption.
The 'Expectation vs Reality' Variant
A popular spin-off of the meme was the 'Expectation vs Reality' format. This involved depicting a contrast between what one expects to happen and the reality they face. The meme's relevance was demonstrated by its ability to morph to fit various situations.
Example formats included: - 'Do something' vs 'Expectation vs Reality' (Dragon scene) - 'Me, trying to be productive: ' vs 'Come on, do something' (Early morning coffee struggle) - 'Trying to impress a girl: ' vs 'Come on, do something' (Awkward first date mishaps)
Pop Culture References and Evolution
The meme's versatility also saw it evolve to reference pop culture events, movies, and video games. A popular version was inspired by the 2015 Super Bowl, featuring the New England Patriots' expectations of victory against the Seattle Seahawks, followed by their dismal performance, captured in the meme's "Come on, do something" call.
Similar evolutions included: - 'Me, trying to beat Dark Souls: ' vs 'Come on, do something' (Gamers' persistent failures) - 'Trying to cook dinner: ' vs 'Come on, do something' (Kitchen disasters)
Impact and Legacy
The "Come on, do something" meme's impact transcended simple amusement. It embodied the internet's collective urge for action, whether it's the gaming community's desire to conquer a challenging game, or the wider audience's wish for change in their lives or in society at large.
The meme's legacy lies in its adaptability. It started as a simple, relatable scene and evolved into a cultural touchstone, encapsulating our frustrations, hopes, and expectations in a universally understood format.
In the ever-changing landscape of internet culture, the "Come on, do something" meme stands as a testament to the power of collective laughter and shared experiences. So, the next time life demands action, remember the dragons, and let out that iconic scream.
