The Evolution of Portrayals of Transgender People in Mass Media and the Rise of a Popular Meme: A Case Study of Kurt Angle's Stare

The portrayal of transgender people in mass media has undergone significant changes over the years, reflecting societal attitudes towards transgender identity. From Hunter Schafer's critically acclaimed role as Jules Vaughn in Euphoria to recent viral memes on social media platforms like TikTok and Twitter, transgender representation has become more prominent and diverse.

One such meme that gained widespread popularity is centered around Kurt Angle's stare. The origin of the meme can be traced back to a 4chan post in December 2023, where a user shared a GIF of Kurt Angle with the caption 'what is that one gif of the guy who looks like this i dont know wtf it is but its hilarious to me.' The post quickly went viral, garnering over 62,000 likes in a day.

The meme spread rapidly across social media platforms, with users creating their own reaction images and GIFs using Kurt Angle's stare. On Twitter, for instance, a user shared a quote that received over 26,000 likes in a day, while another user added an edit to a tweet that gained over 42,000 likes in two days.

The meme also found its way onto TikTok, where users created their own videos using different sounds and captions. For example, one TikToker shared a video with the caption 'Them Kurt angle edits putting me in tears,' which gained over 37.9 million views and 9,500 likes in three days.

The widespread popularity of this meme highlights the power of social media in shaping popular culture and creating memes that transcend boundaries. It also underscores the importance of representation and diversity in mass media, as transgender individuals continue to break barriers and challenge societal norms.

In conclusion, the portrayal of transgender people in mass media has evolved significantly over the years, with recent examples like Kurt Angle's stare meme showcasing the power of social media in shaping popular culture. As we move forward, it is essential to continue promoting diversity and representation in all forms of media to foster a more inclusive and accepting society.

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