I recently came across a story about an Internet meme that appears to have become quite the rage. “Florida Man” has been around since 2013, but his popularity seems to have grown in recent years.
The meme is taken from actual news stories about people who live in Florida. With its diverse population, many news stories appear in newspapers and media outlets about “a Florida man was found..” doing a strange activity or a crime, or something else that was unusual. The stories always begin with “A Florida Man,” hence the name of the meme! Fairly or not, Florida Man has become to symbolize the association between the state and bizarre or humorous activity.
Originally starting on Twitter, and now appearing on Reddit and Tumblr, Florida Man has been a subject of investigation on the “Daily Show” and was even referenced on a FX television show called “Atlanta.” Now, there is even a new play that will start on July 31st in New York City called “Florida Man!” The Internet has produced many interesting memes. Florida Man is just one more fascinating one.