The summer of 2024 has been marked by a unique trend that has taken the internet by storm - the rise of 'Brat' culture. This phenomenon, which originated from British pop star Charli XCX's album and subsequent TikTok trend, has become a defining aspect of this season. The term 'Brat' refers to a carefree and edgy attitude towards life, often associated with partying and being unapologetically oneself. This cultural shift has also extended to politics, with Vice President Kamala Harris becoming the latest symbol of this movement.
The Harris campaign embraced the label wholeheartedly, leading to some confusion on cable news channels. Many TikTok videos have been created about Kamala Harris, with users editing her speeches and moments from her career to fit the 'Brat' theme. Charli XCX herself even tweeted 'Kamala IS brat,' further solidifying the connection.
Stephen Colbert, a popular late-night talk show host, also joined in on the fun by creating a fake campaign ad for Harris inspired by the memes. The ad featured Harris dancing to Charli XCX's music and making bold promises to voters. Colbert even identified himself as a 'brat' during his performance, further emphasizing the widespread adoption of this term.
The impact of this trend on politics has been significant, with Kamala Harris becoming the first Black woman and first Asian American to lead a major party ticket. Her boundary-breaking, feminine, and intersectional candidacy resonated with many young voters who saw her as a symbol of change. The use of 'Brat' culture in her campaign also helped humanize her image and make it more relatable to the younger generation.
The origins of Brat green can be traced back to design studio Special Offer Inc., which created the specific shade after months of discussion and selection from around 500 options. Charli XCX herself had a clear vision for the album cover color before engaging with the design studio, further emphasizing the importance of this trend in popular culture.
Despite some initial skepticism from older generations and cable news analysts, Brat culture has proven to be a powerful force in shaping public discourse and influencing political campaigns. Its impact is likely to be felt for years to come.