TikTok users created a new challenge to celebrate New York representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 31st birthday on Tuesday. The trend has TikTok users lip-synching to a remix of her now-famous speech, where she condemned the toxic culture that led to a congressman calling her a “f****** b****” on the steps of the Capitol in July.
Back in July, Florida representative Ted Yoho, called Ocasio-Cortez “disgusting” for suggesting that pandemic-related poverty and unemployment created a spike in crime in New York City. When the two were parting ways after the brief exchange, Yoho referred to her as a “f****** b****.”
Days later, Ocasio-Cortez took to the House floor to speak on the exchange and Yoho’s apology. Parts of the speech are used in the TikTok challenge, remixed with Kendrick Lamar’s 2017 hit “Humble.” TikTok users do their makeup while the track plays, typically finishing off with Ocasio-Cortez’s signature red lip.
A New TikTok Challenge Is Born
@lauriehernandez_ I had to do it. I wonder how AOC feels knowing most of gen z thinks she’s iconic? (disclaimer to the parents: foul language.)
♬ REGISTER TO VOTE aoc x humble – i cant bodyroll
“Representative Yoho put his finger in my face. He called me disgusting. He called me crazy, he called me out of my mind. He called me dangerous,” the audio plays as TikTok users mouth along. “Representative Yoho called me, and I quote, ‘A f****** b****.'”
As users complete their makeup and hair, many also add captions spotlighting Ocasio-Cortez and her accomplishments.
The audio finishes off with, “I am here because I have to show my parents that I am their daughter and that they did not raise me to accept abuse from men.”
@ovo_nesa Reply to @nidarrrrina7 why does Yoho sound like every woman’s toxic ex? ##aoc ##makeup ##women ##empowerment ##brown ##desi ##bengali
♬ REGISTER TO VOTE aoc x humble – i cant bodyroll
Other Takes on the Challenge
In some cases, TikTok users simply recreated the scene of Ocasio-Cortez’s speech.
@ella.rene had to show some love for my girl ##aoc ❤️❤️❤️ don’t forget to ##vote ! ##biden2020
♬ REGISTER TO VOTE aoc x humble – i cant bodyroll
Others tapped into a different medium for the challenge. One TikTok user showcased the process of her painting Ocasio-Cortez as the remix played, writing, “Happy birthday to the queen herself.”
@jackieliuart happy birthday to the queen herself 🤩 ##aoc ##alexandriaocasiocortez ##art ##artist ##painting ##acrylicpainting ##goldleaf
♬ REGISTER TO VOTE aoc x humble – i cant bodyroll
AOC Challenge TikTok — Sources
The Hill
Glamour: Teens on TikTok Celebrated AOC Birthday With a Powerful Spin on Makeup Tutorials
Harper’s Bazaar: TikTok Now Has an AOC Themed Challenge Involving One of Her Famous Speeches
