The Origins and Evolution of 'Let's Go Brandon' and Beyond

NBC Sports Reporter Kelli Stavast on a Mishearing

In a twist of journalistic error, NBC sports reporter Kelli Stavast made a memorable mistake in 2021. During a sports event, portion of the crowd began chanting, “Fuck Joe Biden!” However, she misinterpreted this as chants of “Let’s go Brandon” directed towards another race-winner, Brandon Brown. Consequently, the term "Let's Go Brandon" resurfaced as a humorous way to mock the former U.S. President, Joe Biden, without using the more crude phrase directly. This serves as a prime example of how mishearing and cultural shifts can give rise to new memes and expressions.

The Expression "Let's Go Brandon"

The phrase “Let's Go Brandon” was born out of a mishearing but quickly adopted as a euphemism. At a political event in 2021, the crowd chanted “Fuck Joe Biden!” Instead, the reporter heard “Let's go Brandon!” – an explicitly supportive catchphrase ironically used to criticize the then-incumbent. This reflects the clever and sometimes humorous way people adapt and subvert language to convey their actual sentiments.

Canadians and Crude Language

The incident also touches upon the Canadian context, where loud and straightforward language occurs without a need for politeness. The memory brings to mind the famous chants of, “Trudeau!,” which was assertive and unapologetic. This statement refuses to be toned down and directly expresses dissent. It was a stark contrast to the polite Canadians often depicted in media. This culture of honesty and directness, especially during political events, led to the phrase being adopted and adapted into new forms of expression.

The Political Context

The reference to the protest against martial law and the “cold” winter conditions in a northern country highlights the potential for political tensions to manifest in public discourse. Protests against severe restrictions were coupled with experimental medical treatments, and the use of crude language was seen as a form of resistance and assertion. Public figures, like politicians and reporters, responded to these evolving situations, with some hiding or using strategic measures to maintain their image. This added layer of complexity to the phrasing, making it a reflection of the broader socio-political climate.

The Cyclical Nature of Political Memes

Certain phrases and memes, like "Let's Go Brandon," have a lifespan that can stretch over time. They cycle through political hotspots and become part of the collective cultural memory. As political contexts continue to change, so do the forms and expressions used by the public. Hence, it is expected that new phrases and memes will emerge, reflecting the shifting political landscape.

The Broader Implications

The incident and its subsequent meme suggest a larger discussion about political communication, the role of media, and how language is used to convey meaning. It highlights the importance of context and the need for thoughtful analysis in interpreting public expressions. As the political cauldron continues to simmer, it is likely that new memes and expressions will arise, further shaping the political discourse.

Conclusions

When language and criticism merge, they can create powerful and evocative memes. The misheard chant of “Fuck Joe Biden” as “Let's go Brandon” is a prime example of how context and mishearing can evolve into new forms of expression. This phenomenon is not isolated to political memes but reflects the broader cultural and linguistic dynamics at play during times of political tension. As this year unfolds with ongoing political events, we can anticipate further evolutions in political language and expression.