The Real Story Behind the Hawk Tuah Girl Phenomenon

Last week, the internet exploded with the story of Haliey Welch, the ‘Hawk Tuah’ girl who gained viral fame with her controversial response to a man-on-the-street interview. While many dismissed her as just a fleeting meme, the truth is much deeper. The rise of the Hawk Tuah meme unveils a silent majority of low-information social media users, known as the ‘Zynternet’, who support Trump and are disengaged from political news. Despite the opportunity for Democrats to capitalize on her popularity, the right quickly embraced her and now she is on the verge of becoming America’s sweetheart. The recent Rolling Stone exclusive on Welch attempts to paint her as a charming Gen Z Dolly Parton, but the reality is far more complex.