Enough with the Harambe Jokes Already
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Enough with the Harambe Jokes Already

They really aren't funny

46
Enough with the Harambe Jokes Already

In case you didn’t know, back in May of 2016 a three year old climbed in the gorilla enclosure at the Cincinnati Zoo. The gorilla, Harambe grabbed the child and was shot and killed to save the boy. This brought an uproar on social media of how unfair it was for the animal to die. Like most news stories the hyped lasted about a week, until now. The uproar is back in the form of memes, hats, shot glasses, and other apparel and gifts.

If you go on Twitter you are sure to see various Harambe memes and merchandise. You will also see the Cincinnati Zoo blocking many Twitter users for harassment. Either tweeting at them or direct messaging them jokes and other things about Harambe. The Cincinnati Zoo tweeted out asking people to stop and when they were only met with more jokes, the abandoned Twitter completely.

Now when is it enough? When people start making memes? When merchandise is made? When it enters the schools as ear book photos? Or is it enough when a business is under fire and forced to shut down an account to avoid harassment. Now people may not agree how the situation was handled back in May, but the jokes are not funny. The harassment is not funny. How is making jokes and memes out of a deceased animal any different than making them about a deceased human? No one does that so why are we now? Where are the memes and attention for real problems involving animals like trophy hunting and poachers? Why is it okay to harass a business but harassing individual people causes an uproar? People will get upset about someone abandoning social media because of harassment but when a business does it just fuels the fire. How does any of this make sense? You wouldn’t make jokes about a deceased person so why make them about an animal. It isn’t even raising awareness for anything, just poking fun at a sad event.

I’m here to say enough is enough. The jokes are not funny. The harassment is not funny. Leave the Cincinnati Zoo alone. If you really care so much about animals, drop the Harambe jokes and pick up a real cause like the APL or a group against trophy hunting. These jokes aren’t doing any good and are not for any cause except amusement. So quit wasting your time with the jokes and pick up a real and meaningful cause.

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
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.

107752
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