Kamala Harris and the Coconut Tree: Unpacking the Meme’s Origins

The coconut tree has become a popular meme associated with Kamala Harris, but its origins are less about the racial slur it once symbolized and more about a playful anecdote she shared. The memes surged again after Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race and his endorsement of Harris, seizing the moment to bring the coconut tree imagery back into the spotlight.

Colorado Governor Jared Polis supported Harris with a tweet featuring a coconut, a palm tree, and the American flag. Similarly, Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz’s post on X, showing him climbing a coconut tree, expressed his readiness to support Harris.

The American political action committee EMILYs List also showed its backing by adding a coconut and tree emoji to its username. One meme humorously proclaimed, “YOU THINK THIS RESIGNATION FELL OUT OF A COCONUT TREE.”

The association of Harris with the coconut tree began in 2023 during a White House event where she spoke about initiatives for Hispanic Americans. Harris recalled a humorous family moment where her mother would jokingly ask, “I don’t know what’s wrong with you young people. You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” This anecdote quickly became a meme favorite.

The meme saw a resurgence during the recent presidential debates and has been embraced by Harris supporters, who are actively engaging in online spaces. The coconut tree has become a symbol of their enthusiasm and support for Harris, reflecting her growing prominence in the Democratic Party, particularly among younger voters dissatisfied with Biden’s policies.

Beyond this latest meme, Harris has a history of going viral for her “We did it, Joe” moment, her laughter, and dance moves, all of which have contributed to her online presence. The coconut tree meme, driven by young Democrats and Harris supporters, exemplifies this blend of political support and online culture.