The “Get Ready To Learn Chinese buddy” meme has exploded across the internet in recent years, becoming a prevalent response, particularly within online discussions concerning perceived threats to Western values, notably freedom of speech and democratic ideals. This meme cleverly uses humor to critique the idea of Chinese censorship and authoritarianism potentially influencing Western societies.
But where did this meme originate, and what factors contributed to its widespread adoption? This article will delve into the genesis, background, and cultural significance of the viral “get ready to learn Chinese buddy” meme, exploring why it resonates so strongly in the English-speaking online world.
Unmasking the Origins of the “Get Ready to Learn Chinese” Meme
Pinpointing the precise starting point of internet memes is often akin to tracing whispers in the wind, and the “get ready to learn Chinese buddy” meme is no exception. However, evidence suggests the phrase began gaining traction around October 2019.
A pivotal moment in its emergence appears to be the controversy surrounding Daryl Morey, then-general manager of the Houston Rockets in the NBA. Morey’s tweet expressing support for Hong Kong protestors ignited a firestorm, prompting the Chinese government to signal potential repercussions for the NBA’s engagement with the lucrative Chinese market. This reaction was widely interpreted as an attempt by China to exert censorship beyond its borders.
In the ensuing online discourse, an image featuring Morey, accompanied by the now-iconic text “Get ready to learn Chinese buddy,” began circulating rapidly on social media platforms. The meme’s implication was clear: yielding to China’s demands could pave the way for the normalization of Chinese-style censorship within Western contexts, including America.
This incident seems to have acted as a catalyst, propelling the meme into broader usage. However, the humorous premise might have deeper roots, potentially stemming from earlier jokes and anxieties surrounding the economic dynamics between America and China, particularly concerns about American debt to China.
Why Did the “Learn Chinese” Meme Strike a Chord?
While the “get ready to learn Chinese buddy” meme initially surfaced as a reaction to the NBA-China tensions, its rapid spread indicates it tapped into pre-existing sentiments within Western, and particularly American, culture. Concerns about China’s growing global influence and its distinct authoritarian governance model have become increasingly prominent in public discourse.
The meme became a vehicle for voicing anxieties about the potential erosion of fundamental values like freedom of speech in the face of expanding Chinese influence. By employing satire, the meme offered a form of catharsis for those feeling uneasy about perceived threats to freedom of expression.
The humor inherent in the meme also allows for a degree of levity in addressing serious concerns. The exaggerated scenario of being compelled to learn Chinese underscores the seemingly improbable nature of authoritarian control taking hold in the West, using absurdity to highlight underlying fears.
Thus, while carrying a somewhat serious undercurrent, the meme effectively packages these anxieties into easily digestible and shareable humor. This accessible and resonant format played a crucial role in its viral dissemination.
Meme Evolution and Variations
As the “get ready to learn Chinese” meme permeated social media, it naturally evolved, giving rise to various adaptations and offshoots. Humorous variations on the concluding word emerged, with “pal,” “chief,” or “comrade” replacing “buddy” to amplify the comedic effect.
Another common modification involved adding introductory phrases to provide context or setup for the punchline. For example, memes might begin with scenarios like “when you criticize the Chinese government online…” to frame the joke more explicitly.
The meme’s adaptability also extended beyond solely focusing on China. In some iterations, countries like Russia, Iran, or North Korea were substituted, broadening the meme’s satirical scope to encompass authoritarianism in a more general sense.
Image macros further enriched the meme’s humor. Juxtaposing the phrase with images of iconic figures from Western culture, such as historical figures like George Washington or beloved film characters like Indiana Jones, delivering the “get ready to learn Chinese” line heightened the sense of irony and absurdity. Seeing these symbols of Western identity seemingly co-opted by the meme’s premise amplified its satirical impact.
However, certain adaptations sparked controversy. Some versions replaced “Chinese” with references to other cultures or languages, drawing criticism for potentially causing offense to those groups, even when the original intent was to critique the Chinese government specifically. These instances highlight the complexities and potential pitfalls of adapting internet memes in culturally sensitive contexts.
These variations underscore the meme’s inherent flexibility. While the core joke remains constant, the format demonstrates a capacity to adapt and respond to current events and evolving discussions surrounding censorship and authoritarianism.
Broad Appeal Across Diverse Groups
The meme’s simple yet effective format contributed to its wide appeal across a spectrum of online communities and groups:
- Political Conservatives: For those with conservative political leanings, the “get ready to learn Chinese” meme serves as a satirical jab at perceived authoritarian encroachment from a significant global competitor. It taps into long-standing anxieties about China’s ambition to potentially displace the United States on the world stage.
- Pro-Hong Kong Movement: For advocates of the Hong Kong pro-democracy movement, the meme effectively spotlights Chinese human rights concerns and abuses. It implicitly criticizes China’s perceived export of political repression beyond its borders.
- Free Speech Advocates: For champions of free speech, the meme becomes a rallying cry in defense of the right to openly criticize foreign powers without fear of censorship or repercussions. In an increasingly interconnected world, some perceive speaking out against powerful entities like China as becoming increasingly risky.
- Internet Culture Enthusiasts: For those immersed in internet culture, the meme’s viral nature itself contributes to its appeal. Sharing and utilizing the meme signals an awareness of current online trends and a familiarity with internet humor and meme culture.
This inherent versatility enabled the meme to achieve widespread circulation, transcending its potentially politically charged origins. Both individuals deeply engaged in political activism and casual meme-sharers could find resonance and meaning within its humorous framework.
Key Moments Fueling Meme Popularity
While the meme initially gained traction during the NBA controversy of 2019, several subsequent events further propelled its viral trajectory and sustained its relevance:
- October 2019: Daryl Morey’s initial tweet and the ensuing Chinese backlash provided the initial spark and documented instances of the meme’s usage.
- March 2020: The global outbreak of COVID-19, with some attributing the pandemic’s spread to initial censorship and information control by Chinese authorities, led to a resurgence and new iterations of the meme.
- November 2020: Threats from Chinese state media to potentially ban Eric Trump’s media appearances following his promotion of unsubstantiated election fraud claims triggered another wave of meme usage.
- January 2021: China’s abrupt banning of the social audio app Clubhouse after open political discussions emerged on the platform further fueled the meme’s relevance.
- February 2022: Dire human rights reports surfacing in the lead-up to the Beijing Winter Olympics prompted meme variations critical of the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) decision to hold the games in China.
- May 2022: Concerns and speculation surrounding Elon Musk’s potential loss of access to Chinese markets after his acquisition of Twitter (now X) resulted in another resurgence of the meme.
These examples illustrate the meme’s ongoing relevance as a readily available form of commentary on perceived Chinese authoritarian practices and actions. New events and developments continually breathe fresh life into its popularity and usage.
Notable Endorsements from High-Profile Figures
The meme’s visibility and perceived legitimacy were further amplified when prominent public figures adopted and disseminated it:
- November 2019: Florida Senator Marco Rubio tweeted the phrase in response to China’s pressure on the NBA, lending a degree of political validation and wider attention to the meme.
- 2020: Celebrity investor Dave Portnoy posted a video of himself humorously gagged with duct tape and holding a sign displaying the “Get Ready to Learn Chinese” meme, further propelling its reach into mainstream internet culture.
- 2021: Popular podcast host Joe Rogan wore a t-shirt featuring the meme phrase during an episode of his widely listened-to podcast, significantly expanding its audience and cultural penetration.
- 2021: Journalist Megyn Kelly referenced the meme on her podcast while discussing Apple’s business ties to China, further cementing its status as a recognized shorthand for expressing concerns about Chinese influence.
These instances demonstrate how endorsements from high-profile individuals have reinforced the meme’s position as a recognizable form of commentary on resisting perceived Chinese influence and censorship. Their usage has helped solidify its place within contemporary pop culture discourse.
The Broader Significance of the Meme
At its core, the “get ready to learn Chinese buddy” meme serves as a powerful illustration of how internet culture can effectively disseminate complex messages and viewpoints. The meme’s concise format distills intricate geopolitical discussions into easily shareable and humorous content.
While undeniably exaggerated for comedic effect, the meme also reflects genuine and increasingly prevalent concerns. Anxieties surrounding the expansion of Chinese soft power, particularly in relation to censorship and influence operations, have grown considerably in many parts of the world.
For groups like Hong Kong democracy activists, the meme acts as a broader critique of authoritarianism in general. However, for others, the specific focus on China can inadvertently contribute to or reinforce existing prejudices.
Regardless of interpretation, the meme’s viral spread underscores the significant role of social media in modern activism, with both constructive and potentially problematic implications. Memes provide ordinary citizens with a platform to engage with and comment on sensitive and complex topics, albeit often in simplified and sometimes provocative ways.
The enduring popularity of the “get ready to learn Chinese” meme highlights the deeply rooted nature of these geopolitical tensions. As China’s global influence continues to expand, this satirical warning continues to resonate with critics across the political spectrum.
Whether employed earnestly by those dissenting against perceived censorship or lightheartedly by meme enthusiasts, this viral phrase encapsulates emerging free speech tensions in the digital age. Given the ongoing nature of these pressures emanating from Beijing, the “get ready to learn Chinese” meme appears likely to remain a fixture in online discourse for the foreseeable future.
