Why I Hate Harambe.
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why I Hate Harambe.

There are better things to focus on than a dead gorilla.

151
Why I Hate Harambe.
Jose Chomali

Harambe- a gorilla in the Cincinnati Zoo was killed because he was about to go after a child that fell into his enclosure. This potential child murderer has been glorified in social media for various reasons and frankly, I am sick and tired of it. Whenever I see a gorilla or the name "Harambe," I am triggered like basic white girl feminist and ready to rant for a solid ten minutes about this whole stupid internet culture.

In my defense the actual death of the gorilla named Harambe is unfortunate, but I would rather have the child that fell into his enclosure alive than be meat stuck in Harambe's mouth. But the public eye has decided that this gorilla is worth immortalizing on the internet!

The origin of Harambe memes has two distinct places, the African American community which used Harambe's death to spotlight racial focus on only famous ethnic people and ignore the common colored man. The other origin was with a loose group on Twitter simply called "weird Twitter" which typically makes comical and ironic memes and other jokes. While both origins are not within my sphere of caring they caused the tidal wave that became the meme phenomenon that is "Harambe."

Now Harambe is every where for things not related to the Cincinnati Zoo, gorillas, animal rights or even keeping animals in zoos. Across the internet are pictures and memorials treating Harambe like a hero, pictures of him with a folded American flag and a bullet casing, trying to synonymize Harambe with American soldiers killed in action, a family's photo set being slowly replaced by pictures of Harambe, or at least gorillas, anything that remotely had to do with a gorilla is now just "Harambe", old King Kong vs Godzilla is now Harambe saving a woman from some sort of dinosaur.

The part though that makes me most mad about the whole situation is the fact the Harambe with no real valid point to make anymore, is obscuring more important, real-world events. When Harambe was killed this last Summer in May and the immediate fall-out, backlash, backlash to the backlash and then more backlash time still continued in the rest of the world. Most prominently was the Syrian refugee crisis, families were crossing the Mediterranean to reach Europe and escape the wars in the Middle East. But many were dying on the open sea, from drowning, starvation and dehydration. While American politics are raging on, verging on sad but comical, the internet is still alight with this brute animal five months after his death while focus should still be on potential other candidates aside from the liar and the jerk. I still see more of Harambe in social media then I do the fallout from hurricane Mathew that hit Haiti and south east America.

When someone I know says lets do something "Harambe" related I grind my teeth to prevent myself from doing the Batman slap to a proverbial Robin. When I see someone posting "DicksoutforHarambe" I want to castrate them. (Not really but really.) If your going to go out in public with your genitals hanging out of your pants like a toddler then at least have a more important reason than a now dead gorilla that has no real reason for being around anymore than for you to show off your penis; keep it in your pants!

Rant satisfied.

Remember guys there are more important things happening that a dead gorilla, five-hundred years ago that was probably dinner.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71039
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132609
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments