Bernie Sanders is Happy That Him Turning into Memes is Raising Money for Charity

By
Sathyavani Krishnan
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20 January 2021 marked the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States and Kamala Harris as the first female, first coloured and first South Asian vice-president of the United States. 

While this event was momentous, a meme of Bernie Sanders has become an internet sensation and quite possibly overshadowed the historical event.

During the nominating contests, Sanders and Biden were pitted against each other despite both of them being part of the Democratic Party.

However, the 79-year-old Senator for Vermont dropped out of the US Elections race in May 2020, conceding victory to President Biden after losing a series of nominating contests. 

Most significantly, however, Sanders stated he would work with Biden to “defeat Donald Trump, the most dangerous president in modern American history”. He aimed to do so with his anti-establishment agenda such as Medicare for All, minimum wage of US$15, and heftier taxes on the rich.

Almost as soon as being sworn in, Biden overturned several Trump policies such as rejoining the Paris Climate agreement, cancelling Keystone XL Pipeline and reversing the “Muslim travel ban”. (Kind of feels like when you have to redo your incompetent classmate’s or colleague’s report from scratch *silent rage*).

What’s With the Meme?

During the inauguration, photographer Brendan Smialowski took a photo of Senator Sanders which has become infamous. The image has since been photoshopped to insert Bernie Sanders into various famous movie scenes and classical paintings alike, and in Singapore, in an MRT train.

In an interview with Rolling Stone, Smialowski states that he feels this isn’t his best work because of “the composition was garbage”. 

While he said he wouldn’t be adding this to his portfolio, we can’t help but feel that this meme will be immortalised in the Internet’s wall of fame for memes anyway.

The meme has been plastered onto shirts and other memorabilia for sale, and the revenue generated from the sale of these merchandises would be directed towards “Meals on Wheels”, which provides low-income seniors with debilitating health conditions with free meals.

In an interview with CNN, Sanders said that while he’s delighted that the meme has garnered such attention and helped raise millions for charity, “[he] was just sitting there trying to keep warm, trying to pay attention to what was going on.”

If you’re looking to replicate the full Bernie Sanders outfit for Halloween because by then, Singapore might be in Phase 96, you’re out of luck. The teacher who made the gloves Sanders wore for the inauguration says she has received thousands of requests for more but they’re not available for sale. (Calling all Carousellers: START KNITTING!)

If you’re thinking of getting your hands on the crewneck sweatshirt… Get in line! The Chairman Sanders Crewneck which retails at approximately S$60 (US$45) is sold out. The Bernie Campaign Store stated that “due to overwhelming demand for this item, it will be 4-8 weeks until you receive your sweatshirt”.

Alternatively, you could purchase the Chairman Sanders Tee which retails at about S$36 (US$27). Although it’s not sold out, they are experiencing high demands; therefore you might have to wait up to 6 weeks for your t-shirt – but which Singaporean doesn’t love a good wait for their purchase, am I right?

To know more about memes, you might want to watch this video to the end (and also subscribe to our YouTube channel for more informative videos!):

Featured Image: Crush Rush / Shutterstock.com

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Sathyavani Krishnan
Email: [email protected]