Folding Chair Meme: Internet’s Hilarious Sitting Trend

“When life throws you a chair, make memes out of it.” – Anonymous1

The humble folding chair has become a viral sensation online. It all started with a fight on an Alabama riverboat, known as the “Montgomery Brawl.” Footage of the fight, where an older Black man used a folding chair to defend himself, quickly went viral. It inspired memes, artistic tributes, and even a rap song1.

The folding chair has become a symbol of defiance for the Black community. It represents their desire to stand up for themselves. With over 100 million views of the #montgomerybrawl hashtag on TikTok, the internet has embraced this unexpected symbol1.

Key Takeaways

  • The folding chair meme has become a viral sensation on the internet, with over 100 million views of the #montgomerybrawl hashtag on TikTok.
  • Thousands of videos have been created analyzing the “Montgomery Brawl” fight and the iconic use of the folding chair.
  • The song “Montgomery Brawl” by Detroit rapper Gmac Cash has gained over a million views across social media platforms.
  • The folding chair has become a symbol of resistance for the Black community, with historical roots dating back to a 1911 patent by Black inventor Nathaniel Alexander.
  • Memes and content inspired by the Montgomery brawl have surged, reflecting the internet’s embrace of this unexpected viral trend.

The Montgomery Brawl: Origins of the Folding Chair Meme

The folding chair meme started with a fight on an Alabama riverboat called the “Montgomery Brawl.”2 The fight began when the riverboat captain, Damien Pickett, tried to dock but was stopped by a pontoon. After almost 45 minutes, Pickett went to talk to the boaters, but they were hostile and attacked him3.

The Viral Altercation that Sparked a Memetic Phenomenon

At first, Pickett was outnumbered by white boaters. But, Black bystanders came to his aid, making the fight intense2. A clip shows Reggie Gray, a 42-year-old Black man, hitting the attackers with a folding chair. This moment started the meme2.

Reggie Gray and the Iconic Folding Chair Moment

The folding chair is now a symbol of the Montgomery Alabama Riverfront brawl. It’s celebrated on social media as memes, art, and even tattoos4. The chair was invented by Black American Nathaniel Alexander in 1911. It’s also used in churches and schools, showing its importance in Black history4.

The fight and Reggie Gray’s use of the folding chair have inspired many. There are memes, art, and even a rap song about it. The memetic phenomenon has become a symbol of solidarity and resistance for many, mainly in the Black community2.

“The folding chair has become the emblem of the Montgomery Alabama Riverfront brawl, celebrated on social media as memes, art, merchandise, and tattoos.”

The Folding Chair Meme Takes Over Social Media

After the “Montgomery Brawl,” the folding chair meme exploded online. It led to a flood of content inspired by the viral fight. The hashtag #montgomerybrawl has over 100 million views on TikTok, with thousands of videos analyzing the fight5.

Many Montgomery residents even posted photos with the same chair, boosting the meme’s popularity5.

Artistic Tributes and Meme Recreations Flood the Internet

The meme inspired artistic tributes, like Joy Oladokun’s folding chair tattoo6. Detroit rapper Gmac Cash also released a song called “Montgomery Brawl” to honor Reggie Gray’s chair moment5. These creative works show the meme’s deep impact on culture, symbolizing black community pride6.

The “Montgomery Brawl” Rap Pays Homage to the Chair

The folding chair is now a symbol for the black community, thanks to social media6. Memes and stories celebrate everyday black heroes, marking a cultural shift6. They offer a moment of healing and counter-narrative to the black social body6.

folding chair meme

The meme’s popularity has led to a surge in merchandise. Listings for folding chair-themed items have skyrocketed on Redbubble, Etsy, and eBay5. Two online auctions for the chair were ended, with one listing it for $35,0005. Tamika Hicks from Louisburg, N.C., received almost 1,000 orders for folding chair earrings on Etsy after the incident5.

“The folding chair has become a symbol of black resilience and solidarity, transcending the initial viral moment and resonating deeply with the community.”

The folding chair meme’s rise to fame shows its power to engage and spark discussions on race, community, and popular culture6.

Deeper Significance: Folding Chair Meme Resonates with Black Community

The folding chair meme has touched the Black community deeply. It shows Black people standing up for themselves when faced with challenges. The dock where the brawl happened is historic. It’s where Black slaves arrived before being sold to plantation owners7.

The town was also a key site for the Civil Rights movement. This makes the event even more significant7.

The folding chair holds special meaning for the Black community. It was first patented by Black inventor Nathaniel Alexander in 19117. The meme’s popularity comes from its use of absurd humor, unexpected juxtaposition, and digital age satire. It brings much-needed levity and representation to the Black community8.

  1. Folding chairs have a rich history, with ancient examples dating back to the 15th-13th centuries BC in the Mediterranean area7.
  2. A notable example is a folding chair found in Tutankhamun’s tomb in Egypt, dating back to 1327 BC7.
  3. Folding chairs began appearing in Northern Europe around 1400 BC, influenced by distant cultures7.
  4. In modern times, folding chairs have emerged as a symbol of resistance and unity, specially within the African American community7.

The folding chair’s symbolism grew after the Alabama riverfront brawl on August 5, 2023. Social media platforms like TikTok saw millions of views and shares of folding chair memes. Folding chair merchandise like T-shirts, earrings, and tattoos also became popular7.

Historically, folding chairs were symbols of status and used in ceremonial contexts by royalty and nobility7. Today, they are lightweight, portable, and suitable for events, gatherings, and emergency seating. They are a practical and versatile choice7.

“Memes, including internet memes, are key for spreading cultural information, according to Richard Dawkins’ meme theory.”

As Black content creators keep pushing for social justice and activism on platforms like TikTok and Twitter, the folding chair meme has become a powerful symbol of resilience and pride within the Black community8.

Black community

Conclusion

The folding chair meme has swept the internet, bringing laughter and connection to the Black community. It started with the “Montgomery Brawl,” a fight on an Alabama riverboat. Reggie Gray, an older Black man, used a folding chair to defend himself against white attackers.

This moment has sparked countless memes, art, and even a rap song. It shows the absurdity and unexpected twist of the situation9.

The meme has become a symbol of the Black community’s fight for justice. It shows how digital satire can bring much-needed laughter and representation. Its popularity has reached beyond its initial context, touching many and showing the Black community’s strength9.

Looking back, the folding chair meme holds deep meaning. It reflects the ongoing fight for equality and justice. Through this meme, we see the Black experience, the power of community, and how digital media shapes our conversations9.

FAQ

What is the origin of the folding chair meme?

The folding chair meme started with a fight on an Alabama riverboat called the “Montgomery Brawl.” An older Black man, Reggie Gray, used a simple white folding chair to hit white attackers. This led to the meme becoming popular.

How did the folding chair meme gain popularity on social media?

After the “Montgomery Brawl,” the meme spread fast on social media. TikTok saw over 100 million views with the hashtag #montgomerybrawl. People in Montgomery even shared photos of themselves with the chair.

What is the deeper significance of the folding chair meme for the Black community?

The meme means a lot to the Black community. It shows Black people fighting back against injustice. The fight happened at a historic dock, and the chair has special meaning, thanks to a Black inventor in 1911.

How has the folding chair meme inspired artistic tributes and creative content?

The meme has inspired many tributes. Singer Joy Oladokun got a folding chair tattoo. Detroit rapper Gmac Cash even made a song called “Montgomery Brawl” to honor Reggie Gray and his chair.

What is the overall significance of the folding chair meme in the digital age?

The meme symbolizes the Black community’s fight for justice. It shows how digital satire can bring joy and representation in today’s world.

Source Links

  1. How A Folding Chair Won The Montgomery Brawl — and The Internet – https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-commentary/montgomery-brawl-alabama-meme-folding-chair-riverboat-1234804740/
  2. I’ve Spent My Career Explaining Race, But Hit a Wall With Montgomery Brawl Memes – https://www.kqed.org/arts/13932939/ive-spent-my-career-explaining-race-but-hit-a-wall-with-montgomery-brawl-memes
  3. Why Are People Making Memes About Folding Chairs? The Alabama River Brawl And Its Infamous ‘Folding Chair Meme’ Explained – https://knowyourmeme.com/editorials/guides/why-are-people-making-memes-about-folding-chairs-the-alabama-river-brawl-and-its-infamous-folding-chair-meme-explained
  4. The Black History of the Montgomery Brawl Folding Chair – https://hyperallergic.com/838407/the-black-history-of-the-montgomery-brawl-folding-chair/
  5. Place to Sit, or Symbol of Resistance? The Evolution of the Folding Chair. (Published 2023) – https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/26/style/folding-chair-alabama-riverfront-brawl.html
  6. White Chairs and Black Catharsis — ds4si – https://www.ds4si.org/writings/2023/8/14/white-chairs-and-black-catharsis
  7. The Significance of the Folding Chair – https://foldingchairshq.com/blog/the-significance-of-the-folding-chair/
  8. Everything Is Content: A Gen Z Approach to Exploring African American History and Culture at a HBCU – https://www.igi-global.com/viewtitle.aspx?TitleId=333704&isxn=9781668497821
  9. ‘Alabama Sweet Tea Party’: Happy one-year anniversary to the Montgomery Riverfront brawl – https://www.dailydot.com/memes/montgomery-riverfront-brawl-memes/

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