Kaylah Walton
An online sensation going by the name of Hailey Welch, also known as the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl, has amassed a following of nearly 250k on various social media platforms. Welch has been particularly active on a platform owned by tech billionaire Elon Musk. Recently, she caused a stir by sharing a meme that questioned the credibility of mainstream media compared to news on X. In the meme, Welch is depicted in a cowgirl hat resembling the classic Drake meme where he chooses the second option over the first. The rejected option labeled ‘traditional news sources,’ while the favored option simply read X. This post quickly garnered a million impressions within hours.
In response to the backlash, Welch defended herself in the comments section of her meme, refuting claims that Elon Musk pays her for her content, stating that she “memes for free.” This simple meme touched on a significant topic regarding the growing distrust in traditional news media and the influence of X since being acquired by Elon Musk. It also raised valid criticisms about inconsistencies in Musk’s message that people are keen to highlight. While Welch’s meme holds partial truth, it prompts a deeper discussion.
Elon Musk’s Stance on “Freedom of Speech” versus Mainstream Media
Upon acquiring Twitter, Elon Musk pledged to champion ‘free speech’ but soon encountered the complex nature of the platform. Twitter serves not only as a global town square but also as a space where governments regulate speech and messaging. Musk faced challenges as he realized that, despite owning a social network, he was subject to the influence of world leaders. This realization led to inconsistencies in his approach, with instances of censorship and banning those who did not align with his agenda. It is essential for the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl to conduct thorough research before sharing memes.
