Had To Do It To Em

Had to Do It to Em: The Anatomy of a Meme

"Had to do it to em" is an internet meme that originated in the mid-2010s, quickly becoming a staple of online humor and self-deprecating jokes. This meme, typically accompanied by a picture of a person in an elaborate or unconventional outfit striking a confident pose, captures a feeling of swagger, nonchalance, and often, a touch of absurdity. In this article, we'll dive deep into the origins, evolution, cultural impact, and the lasting appeal of the "Had to do it to em" meme, exploring why it continues to resonate with internet users across the globe.

Origins of "Had to Do It to Em"

The exact genesis of the "had to do it to em" meme is somewhat murky, as is often the case with internet phenomena. However, most sources point to its emergence on Black Twitter and Tumblr around 2014-2015. The phrase itself is a casual, colloquial way of saying "I had to do it to them," implying that the subject felt compelled to showcase their style or accomplishment, often in a way that might be considered boastful or over-the-top.

• Black Twitter Influence: Black Twitter, known for its unique vernacular, humor, and trendsetting, played a crucial role in popularizing the phrase. Users often paired it with pictures of themselves or others dressed in fashionable, eye-catching outfits.
• Tumblr's Role: Tumblr, with its emphasis on visual content and self-expression, provided the perfect platform for the meme to spread. Users reblogged and remixed the images, adding their own captions and interpretations.
• Early Examples: Early examples of the meme often featured images of people wearing stylish streetwear, vintage clothing, or unique combinations of garments. The key was that the outfit had to be visually striking and accompanied by a confident pose.

Evolution of the Meme

As the "had to do it to em" meme spread, it underwent several transformations, adapting to different contexts and evolving alongside internet culture.

• From Fashion to Absurdity: While the initial focus was on fashionable outfits, the meme quickly expanded to include more absurd and humorous scenarios. People started pairing the phrase with pictures of themselves doing mundane tasks in ridiculous outfits, or even posing with unusual objects.
• Self-Deprecating Humor: The meme also took on a self-deprecating tone. People would use the phrase to acknowledge their own ridiculousness or to poke fun at their own fashion choices. This added another layer of humor to the meme, making it more relatable and accessible.
• Variations and Remixes: The meme also spawned numerous variations and remixes. Some people would replace the phrase with similar expressions, while others would create elaborate parodies of the original format. This constant evolution helped to keep the meme fresh and engaging.
• The Rise of "You Know I Had to Do It to Em": A slight variation, "you know I had to do it to em," also gained popularity. This version often implies a sense of inevitability, as if the subject had no choice but to showcase their style or accomplishment.

Key Elements of the "Had to Do It to Em" Meme

Several key elements contribute to the effectiveness and enduring appeal of the "had to do it to em" meme.

• The Outfit/Presentation: The visual aspect is crucial. The outfit or presentation must be striking, whether it's stylish, bizarre, or intentionally unflattering. It's the focal point of the meme and what initially grabs the viewer's attention.
• The Pose: The pose is just as important as the outfit. It needs to convey confidence, nonchalance, or even a hint of arrogance. The pose is what sells the idea that the subject is intentionally showing off.
• The Caption: The phrase "had to do it to em" (or a variation thereof) is the glue that holds the meme together. It provides context and explanation for the image, implying that the subject felt compelled to showcase their style or accomplishment.
• The Humor: Ultimately, the meme is funny because it plays on the tension between confidence and self-awareness. It acknowledges the absurdity of showing off while simultaneously embracing it.

Cultural Impact and Significance

The "had to do it to em" meme has had a significant impact on internet culture, influencing fashion trends, humor, and self-expression online.

• Fashion Inspiration: The meme has inspired people to experiment with their fashion choices and to express themselves more creatively through clothing. It has also helped to popularize certain fashion trends, particularly streetwear and vintage styles.
• Self-Expression: The meme has provided a platform for people to showcase their unique style and personality. It has also encouraged people to embrace their individuality and to be more confident in their own skin.
• Online Humor: The meme has become a staple of online humor, used in a wide variety of contexts to elicit laughs and to poke fun at social norms. It has also contributed to the development of internet slang and vernacular.
• Social Commentary: In some cases, the meme has been used to make social commentary, highlighting issues such as class, race, and gender. By subverting traditional notions of beauty and style, the meme has challenged societal norms and promoted inclusivity.

Examples of the Meme in Action

To further illustrate the "had to do it to em" meme, here are some examples of how it has been used online:

• Stylish Outfits: Images of people wearing fashionable outfits, such as tailored suits, designer dresses, or trendy streetwear, accompanied by the phrase "had to do it to em."
• Absurd Scenarios: Pictures of people doing mundane tasks, such as grocery shopping or walking the dog, while wearing ridiculous outfits, accompanied by the phrase "had to do it to em."
• Self-Deprecating Jokes: Images of people wearing unflattering or mismatched outfits, accompanied by the phrase "had to do it to em" as a way of acknowledging their own fashion faux pas.
• Pop Culture References: Parodies of the meme featuring characters from movies, TV shows, or video games, accompanied by the phrase "had to do it to em."
• Animal Antics: Pictures of animals in funny situations or wearing silly costumes, accompanied by the phrase "had to do it to em."

Why the Meme Endures

Despite its relatively simple format, the "had to do it to em" meme has managed to maintain its popularity for several years. Several factors contribute to its enduring appeal:

• Relatability: The meme is relatable because it taps into the universal human desire to express oneself and to feel confident in one's own skin.
• Humor: The meme is funny because it plays on the tension between confidence and self-awareness. It acknowledges the absurdity of showing off while simultaneously embracing it.
• Versatility: The meme is versatile because it can be adapted to a wide variety of contexts and used to express a wide range of emotions.
• Evolvability: The meme has evolved over time, adapting to changing internet trends and incorporating new elements of humor and self-expression.

The Psychology Behind the Meme

The enduring popularity of the "had to do it to em" meme can also be understood through a psychological lens. It touches on several key aspects of human behavior and social interaction.

• Self-Presentation: The meme is fundamentally about self-presentation, the act of consciously or unconsciously conveying information about oneself to others. People use clothing, appearance, and behavior to signal their identity, values, and social status.
• Social Comparison: The meme also touches on the concept of social comparison, the tendency to evaluate oneself by comparing oneself to others. People often compare themselves to others in terms of appearance, achievements, and possessions.
• Humor and Incongruity: The humor of the meme often arises from incongruity, the discrepancy between what is expected and what actually occurs. The juxtaposition of a confident pose with an absurd outfit or situation creates a humorous effect.
• Schadenfreude: In some cases, the meme may also elicit schadenfreude, the experience of pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction that comes from learning of or witnessing the troubles, failures, or humiliation of another.

The Meme in the Age of Social Media

The "had to do it to em" meme has thrived in the age of social media, finding a natural home on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.

• Shareability: The meme is highly shareable, making it easy for it to spread rapidly across social media platforms.
• Visual Appeal: The meme's emphasis on visual content makes it particularly well-suited to platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
• Hashtags: The meme has generated numerous hashtags, such as #hadtodoittoem, #youknowihadtodoittoem, and #doittoem, which help to categorize and organize the content.
• Remix Culture: Social media platforms have facilitated the remixing and adaptation of the meme, leading to countless variations and parodies.

The Future of "Had to Do It to Em"

While it's impossible to predict the future with certainty, it's likely that the "had to do it to em" meme will continue to evolve and adapt to changing internet trends.

• New Platforms: The meme may find new life on emerging social media platforms or in new forms of online communication.
• AI and Machine Learning: Advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning could lead to new and innovative ways of creating and sharing the meme.
• Metaverse Integration: As the metaverse becomes more mainstream, the meme could be integrated into virtual worlds and digital experiences.
• Enduring Appeal: Ultimately, the meme's enduring appeal lies in its relatability, humor, and versatility, which are likely to remain relevant for years to come.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about "Had to Do It to Em"

• Q: What does "had to do it to em" mean?

  • A: It means that the person felt compelled to show off their style or accomplishment, often in a boastful or over-the-top way.

• Q: Where did the meme originate?

  • A: The meme originated on Black Twitter and Tumblr around 2014-2015.

• Q: What are the key elements of the meme?

  • A: The key elements are the outfit/presentation, the pose, the caption, and the humor.

• Q: Why is the meme so popular?

  • A: The meme is popular because it's relatable, humorous, versatile, and evolvable.

• Q: How has the meme evolved over time?

  • A: The meme has evolved from focusing on fashionable outfits to including more absurd and humorous scenarios, as well as self-deprecating jokes.

Conclusion

The "had to do it to em" meme is a testament to the power of internet culture and the ability of online communities to create and share humor. From its humble beginnings on Black Twitter and Tumblr, the meme has evolved into a global phenomenon, influencing fashion trends, self-expression, and online communication. Its enduring appeal lies in its relatability, humor, and versatility, which continue to resonate with internet users across the globe. Whether it's showcasing a stylish outfit, poking fun at oneself, or simply embracing the absurdity of life, the "had to do it to em" meme provides a platform for self-expression and a reminder that sometimes, you just have to do it to 'em.