The CDC and Harambe: The Satirical Tale of Monkeypox's Origins

In a recent viral image making waves across social media platforms, a humorous yet absurd narrative has emerged, capturing the attention of netizens worldwide. The composite graphic, designed to resemble a breaking news announcement, blends elements of satire and nostalgia, invoking the memory of Harambe, the gorilla whose tragic death in 2016 sparked widespread controversy and memes.

The image is divided into a few distinct sections. In the top left corner, a circular red-bordered image of a gorilla with a serious expression sets a somber yet ironic tone. This gorilla, unmistakably representing Harambe, seems to be at the center of this fictional news story.

Adjacent to this, the top right section features the headquarters of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). The building, marked by its blue sign with white text detailing "CDC," "CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION," and "EDWARD R. ROYBAL CAMPUS," lends an air of credibility to the otherwise satirical image.

The bottom section of the graphic is where the humor truly unfolds. A red horizontal banner declares "BREAKING NEWS" in bold white capital letters, while a small "FNN" logo in red sits in the lower right corner, perhaps a playful nod to fictional news networks. Below this banner, large bold text reads, "The CDC confirms that Monkeypox is the ghost of Harambe enacting his inevitable revenge."

This surreal announcement has elicited a range of reactions from Reddit users. Comments range from humorous lamentations such as "I've had my d*** out for 8 years but I guess it wasn't enough," to playful corrections like "Harambe was an ape, not a monkey. Monkeys have tails." Some users even delve into the realm of pseudo-science fiction, suggesting, "They say when an anchor being dies, the whole timeline unravels," and "Someone with a time-machine please go back and save him, it has fractured our timeline."

The image, rife with multi-year-old references and internet culture in-jokes, has sparked debates and laughter alike. Comments like "Harambe didn't have STDs, this is slander," and "Miss me with that pox Harambe, I was always on your side! Honest!" highlight the blend of affection and absurdity that Harambe's legacy continues to inspire.

While the notion of Harambe's ghost causing a modern-day health crisis is clearly a work of satire, it underscores the enduring impact of internet culture and the ways in which humor can be used to engage with and process real-world issues. As one user quipped, "Do I need to buy toilet paper again?" the image serves as a reminder of the collective experiences and shared memories that define online communities.

This viral image, with its mix of humor and absurdity, has brought Harambe back into the public consciousness, albeit in a fictional and exaggerated manner. Whether viewed as a nostalgic throwback or a satirical commentary, it highlights the ongoing influence of internet memes and the creative ways they continue to evolve.