20.07.2024

"The Hawk Tuah" moment: The rise of viral personalities

The reader questions the ethos of viral personalities and call for substance in a world of viral trends.

Hawk Tuah girl's 'hot' best friend in viral video hunted down (Image: chelseabradford_/Instagram)

Question from Mr. J (real name is undisclosed):

Guys,

I'd like to get your attention on this, something away from marriage issues, but it’s astounding how much the bar for fame has dropped just within my lifetime ( I am 39 years old). Especially the past decade. I remember when you had to create, produce, or do something of substance, that had mass appeal, and that’s how you became famous. Movies, TV, sports, music, art, politics, heroism, incredible feats (Miracle on the Hudson), etc…

It’s so stupid that this girl has become famous for this, I feel stupid even describing it. I’ll try and phrase it in a way that’s not crude. This random nobody woman, she wasn’t famous for anything, was stopped out on the street by someone with a camera and microphone and asked about pleasing a man sexually. And her reply was to SPIT on the male anatomy. The sound she made when pretending to spit is being transcribed as “Hawk Tuah” (When you spit, you tend to make that sound).

For some reason this stupid clip of her has gone viral on social media, and been turned into a million memes. It’s ridiculous. I only know about it because it’s everywhere, twitter, instagram, facebook. People reference it in comments on unrelated posts.

Why is this woman being given opportunities simply because she joked about spitting on a man’s balls?… It's madness. Teachers, doctors, and so many other people in our society doing noble work are underpaid and their professions underfunded in terms of the resources needed to do their jobs. Yet this woman is getting all these opportunities because she said that she wanted to "spit on the male anatomy". Are you guys appalled by this? Why must something this sexist become a sensational hit? Is feminism real?

Read up : https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hawk-tuah-girl-haliey-welch-manager-interview-1235947027/

“Earlier this week, Haliey Welch (the girl who made the statement and became an overnight sensational hit) made her first paid live appearance at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, with sources telling The Hollywood Reporter she made around $20,000 for the gig. (TMZ reported the payday as closer to $30,000; her reps declined to share specifics of her appearance fee.)”

The agent representing her is interviewed in the article, compares her to Dolly Parton, says she’s the hero we all need right now lmao.

Now she has several offers to star in movies. and is now being offered to do a reality tv series. a truly WTF moment!

Read up:

https://x.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1812167752679055717

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hawk-tuah-girl-haliey-welch-manager-interview-1235947027/

they are calling her a hero, she's now filthy rich, from a nobody to a totally somebody because of a "spit on men's balls" statement.

This is something serious that every men's publication needs to look at. I don't know if I want to call this as hate on men or what but it does come off to me as a sexist statement. It is truly the end of the world. What would happen to men if women can become famous for saying stuff like this?

...

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hola Mr. J,

Thanks for reaching out and sharing your frustration about the rise to fame of Haliey Welch and the "Hawk Tuah" phenomenon. We understand your feelings. It can be jarring to see someone achieve instant fame for something seemingly trivial, especially when compared to the dedication and hard work of others.

Here are a few points to consider:

The Fickle Nature of Fame: The internet and social media have undeniably changed how fame is achieved. Viral moments, like the "Hawk Tuah" clip, can propel someone into the spotlight overnight. While it may not seem earned in the traditional sense, it reflects the current cultural zeitgeist and audience engagement.

The Power of Humor (or Outrage): Whether Welch's comment is funny, offensive, or both is subjective. However, it clearly tapped into an emotional response – either amusement or outrage – which fueled its spread.

The Business of Entertainment: The entertainment industry is driven by profit. Welch's viral fame represents an opportunity, whether it lasts or not. The decision to offer her projects is ultimately a business one based on perceived audience engagement and interest. It is a different ball game now with the rise of the "attention economy".

What Does This Mean for Men?

To answer your question, this incident doesn't signal the "end of the world" for men. It highlights the changing media landscape and the power of online engagement.

Here's how men can navigate this:

Focus on Values: Men shouldn't feel threatened by a fleeting internet trend. True value lies in character, core values, and contributions to society.

Engage Thoughtfully: When encountering online content, respond thoughtfully. Avoid fueling negativity and engage in constructive dialogue.

Support Meaningful Work: Support content creators and artists who produce work that resonates with you.

Moving Forward

We, at Gentleman's Code, believe in highlighting the best in men. While we acknowledge the "Hawk Tuah" phenomenon, we'll continue to focus on topics that offer value to men, showcasing gentlemanly values and positive masculinity.

Thanks again for your email. We encourage further discussion on our social media platforms.

Best regards,

The Gentleman

Gentlemen's Code has your back! We're thrilled to announce our brand new section on our website: "Ask the Gentleman". Submit your burning questions on all things relationships, culture, style, and etiquette by emailing to: editor@gentlemanscodes.com.

Our experts are here to guide you on your path to becoming a true gentleman.

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"The Hawk Tuah" moment: The rise of viral personalities

The reader questions the ethos of viral personalities and call for substance in a world of viral trends.

Hawk Tuah girl's 'hot' best friend in viral video hunted down (Image: chelseabradford_/Instagram)

Question from Mr. J (real name is undisclosed):

Guys,

For some reason this stupid clip of her has gone viral on social media, and been turned into a million memes. It’s ridiculous. I only know about it because it’s everywhere, twitter, instagram, facebook. People reference it in comments on unrelated posts.

Read up : https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hawk-tuah-girl-haliey-welch-manager-interview-1235947027/

The agent representing her is interviewed in the article, compares her to Dolly Parton, says she’s the hero we all need right now lmao.

Now she has several offers to star in movies. and is now being offered to do a reality tv series. a truly WTF moment!

Read up:

https://x.com/DiscussingFilm/status/1812167752679055717

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hawk-tuah-girl-haliey-welch-manager-interview-1235947027/

they are calling her a hero, she's now filthy rich, from a nobody to a totally somebody because of a "spit on men's balls" statement.

This is something serious that every men's publication needs to look at. I don't know if I want to call this as hate on men or what but it does come off to me as a sexist statement. It is truly the end of the world. What would happen to men if women can become famous for saying stuff like this?

...

Answer by The Gentleman:

Hola Mr. J,

Here are a few points to consider:

The Power of Humor (or Outrage): Whether Welch's comment is funny, offensive, or both is subjective. However, it clearly tapped into an emotional response – either amusement or outrage – which fueled its spread.

What Does This Mean for Men?

To answer your question, this incident doesn't signal the "end of the world" for men. It highlights the changing media landscape and the power of online engagement.

Here's how men can navigate this:

Focus on Values: Men shouldn't feel threatened by a fleeting internet trend. True value lies in character, core values, and contributions to society.

Engage Thoughtfully: When encountering online content, respond thoughtfully. Avoid fueling negativity and engage in constructive dialogue.

Support Meaningful Work: Support content creators and artists who produce work that resonates with you.

Moving Forward

We, at Gentleman's Code, believe in highlighting the best in men. While we acknowledge the "Hawk Tuah" phenomenon, we'll continue to focus on topics that offer value to men, showcasing gentlemanly values and positive masculinity.

Thanks again for your email. We encourage further discussion on our social media platforms.

Best regards,

The Gentleman

Gentlemen's Code has your back! We're thrilled to announce our brand new section on our website: "Ask the Gentleman". Submit your burning questions on all things relationships, culture, style, and etiquette by emailing to: editor@gentlemanscodes.com.

Our experts are here to guide you on your path to becoming a true gentleman.

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