The Roar Heard Round The Internet: Deconstructing The JD Vance Meme Phenomenon
Introduction: A Politician's Unlikely Path to Viral Fame
JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, who served as a Senator from Ohio before winning the presidency with Donald Trump in 2024, has found himself at the center of a peculiar internet phenomenon. While his political career has been marked by a meteoric rise, from the thoughtful voice of "Hillbilly Elegy" to a prominent figure in the Trump administration, it's an unexpected viral moment that has recently captured the public's imagination: the "Do the Roar" meme. This seemingly innocuous phrase has become an indelible part of Vance's public image, sparking a wave of humor and commentary across social media platforms.The Meme's Genesis: A Viral Moment with Zelensky
The "Do the Roar" meme traces its origins to an encounter that had little to do with policy or political statements. JD Vance, as the second-in-command of President Donald Trump, became a popular target of internet memes after his awkward encounter with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Rather than focusing on the words exchanged, the focal point of the encounter quickly became Vice President JD Vance himself, after a user on X (formerly Twitter) made fun of his statement during the interaction. The phrase "Do the roar" immediately brings to mind a memorable scene from the animated film *Shrek*. Specifically, it refers to the "træls knægt" (annoying kid) from Shrek, who "ikke helt har situationsfornemmelse" (doesn't quite have a sense of occasion) when persistently asking Shrek to roar. This comparison, highlighting a perceived lack of situational awareness or an awkward demeanor, resonated deeply with online audiences. Lauren (@thelaurenelyse) on X, for instance, perfectly encapsulated the sentiment, noting, "JD Vance looks like 'do the roar'." This simple observation ignited a firestorm of creative content. Soon, the internet was flooded with "funny JD Vance edits, including a compilation of his iconic moments." Users were encouraged to "Join the laughter and discover unique humor! #meme #jdvance #FunnyEdits." The meme quickly evolved beyond the original encounter, with Vance's face being superimposed onto various humorous backdrops. From the ‘lollipop kid’ in Shrek to a bald, creepy staring version of his face projected onto the Las Vegas dome, Americans and even those abroad took the opportunity to put Vance’s face into various humorous contexts, solidifying the meme's place in digital culture.Beyond the Roar: JD Vance in the Public Eye
While the "Do the Roar" meme offers a humorous lens into Vance's public image, it's important to understand the broader context of his political journey and relationships.From Author to Politician: A Meteoric Rise
James David Vance (born James Donald Bowman) is a Marine Corps veteran, author, and attorney. His 2016 memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy,” garnered significant attention, with many journalists and critics venerating him as a powerful voice representing long-overlooked Americans. This thoughtful, searching voice, however, notably "turned into a politician," marking a significant transformation in his public persona. His political ascent was significantly aided by figures like Peter Thiel, who was "instrumental to Vance's rise, backing his campaign for Senate in 2021-22 to the tune of $15 million, and reportedly introduced Vance to Trump." This backing and introduction were crucial to his path to the Vice Presidency.The Trump Connection: Loyalty and Contrasting Styles
As Vice President, Vance's relationship with President Donald Trump is clearly defined by loyalty. He is frequently seen alongside Trump at campaign events, such as the Butler Farm Show or the Army-Navy football game, underscoring his role as the second-in-command. Vance has consistently "continued to stand by President Donald Trump during his public feud with Elon Musk," demonstrating his unwavering support. However, an interesting observation from the provided data highlights a stylistic difference between the two leaders: "Vance doesn’t rage and roar onstage the way Trump does. Instead, he seethes with petty peevishness." This suggests a more subdued, perhaps simmering, intensity compared to Trump's more overt and bombastic displays, even as they share similar political stances.Navigating the Trump-Musk "Blood Feud"
Vance's connection with Elon Musk is a more complex dynamic, requiring a deeper look. While Musk publicly stated that "Trump should be impeached and JD Vance should replace him," even replying "Yes" to a post suggesting this, Vance has largely maintained a supportive stance towards Trump, even while acknowledging the tension. Vance appeared to subtly address the drama between Donald Trump and Elon Musk amid their "sensational fallout." During an interview with Theo Von, who is "one of the most popular comedians in America," Vice President JD Vance called the feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk a “huge mistake.” He stated it's "not going to be good for Elon" but admitted he "suffered a lot" for the White House due to the ongoing public spat. Theo Von had Vice President JD Vance cackling during this new interview, indicating a comfortable rapport. During the same show, Vance also addressed the Jeffrey Epstein tweet from Elon, which he was "just informed of by Von when the show was filmed." He "completely shot down that there could be any" truth to the conspiracy, showing a willingness to engage with controversial topics while defending his position. Despite Musk's past remarks, photographs show Musk, Trump, and Vance attending events together, suggesting a working relationship, even if a "blood feud" is perceived between the two prominent figures. Beyond these high-profile relationships, Vance has also shown a combative side, for instance, when he "sparked a firestorm when he accused fellow veteran and Democratic vice presidential nominee, Minnesota governor Tim Walz, of abandoning his unit before it deployed to Iraq." His stances on issues like a national abortion ban and his association with Project 2025 also endear him to the conservative base.The Anatomy of Internet Humor: Why "Do the Roar" Resonates
The "Do the Roar" meme is more than just a fleeting moment of online amusement; it’s a testament to how the internet processes and interprets public figures. In an age where information is consumed rapidly and visually, a single awkward expression or perceived mannerism can become a viral shorthand for a person's public image. The *Shrek* comparison, in particular, is brilliant in its simplicity and universality. It taps into a shared cultural reference point, making the humor instantly accessible and relatable, even to those who might not follow American politics closely. The meme allows for creative expression, with users producing countless "funny edits" that amplify the humor. This participatory aspect is key to a meme's longevity and spread, as it encourages users to "Join the laughter and discover unique humor!" It also serves as a form of lighthearted critique or commentary, allowing the public to engage with political figures on a more informal, often satirical, level. This collective engagement turns a simple observation into a widespread cultural phenomenon.Conclusion: The Enduring Power of a Viral Moment
From a thoughtful author to a high-ranking politician, JD Vance's journey has been multifaceted. Yet, for many, his public persona has now become inextricably linked with a simple, viral phrase: "Do the roar." This meme, born from a brief, awkward encounter, highlights the unpredictable nature of internet fame and the power of collective humor to shape perceptions. Whether it's a "lollipop kid" comparison or a "creepy staring version" on a digital billboard, the internet's creative engine continues to find new ways to engage with and often poke fun at public figures. Ultimately, the "Do the Roar" phenomenon is a vivid example of how a single moment can define a public figure in the digital age, transforming a political figure into a cultural touchstone through the lens of shared laughter. *** In summary, the "Do the Roar" meme featuring Vice President JD Vance originated from an awkward encounter with Ukrainian President Zelensky, quickly going viral due to its humorous comparison to a character from *Shrek* known for a lack of situational awareness. This phenomenon showcases the internet's ability to transform public figures into viral sensations through shared humor and creative edits. Beyond the meme, Vance's political journey from author to Vice President, his complex relationships with Donald Trump and Elon Musk, and his distinct public persona continue to be subjects of widespread interest and discussion, with the "roar" now an indelible part of his public image.
File:JD Vance 2025 inaugural portrait (3x4 close cropped).png - Wikipedia
JD Vance has seen all those memes of him too – here’s what he thinks of
J.D. Vance - Uncyclopedia, the content-free encyclopedia
