Pokimane No Makeup (Meme Explained, Examples & Templates!)
In the vast landscape of online streaming, where personalities come to life and virtual communities flourish, one name has risen to prominence: Pokimane.
With her captivating presence and infectious charisma, she has amassed a legion of followers on the popular streaming platform Twitch.
Yet, even the brightest stars face moments of vulnerability and criticism, as was the case when an image of Pokimane without makeup surfaced during an October 2018 stream.
This seemingly innocuous snapshot sparked a whirlwind of outrage and debate within the online realm, drawing battle lines between those who sought to disparage Pokimane and those who rallied to defend her.
In this article, we delve deep into the backstory of this image, exploring its origins and the subsequent journey it undertook through the vast corridors of the internet.
Brace yourself for a tale that unveils the complexities of beauty standards, the power of perception, and the resilience of a streaming sensation.
Pokimane No Makeup: The Backstory
It was on that fateful day, October 23rd, 2018, that Pokimane decided to stream without her usual armor of makeup, presenting herself in a raw and unfiltered manner.
This departure from her usual aesthetic routine was a bold move, one that sought to challenge the notion of perpetually flawless appearances. As the stream progressed, she candidly acknowledged the stark reality that few people naturally possess an airbrushed visage.
She recognized the role of makeup as an enhancer, transforming mere mortals into shimmering figures. “When you have makeup on, you look like you have makeup on,” she quipped, embracing the inherent duality of appearances.
Little did she know that this stream would become a catalyst for a whirlwind of emotions.
Clips from the stream soon found their way onto YouTube, quickly amassing millions of views.
However, it was not the intended message of self-acceptance and authenticity that dominated the ensuing discourse. Instead, a screenshot from the stream began circulating, becoming a weapon in the hands of Pokimane’s detractors.
They wielded it to cast aspersions on her attractiveness and to assert that she employed deceit to captivate her audience.
The image became the focal point of a relentless campaign, painting Pokimane as a conniving trickster who enticed unsuspecting viewers into a web of admiration.
Pokimane No Makeup: Popularity
As with any controversy, the viral nature of the image propelled it to new heights of infamy. Supporters and critics alike flocked to Twitter, their virtual battleground of choice, to defend their positions.
On that very day, October 23rd, 2018, a notable Twitter user and fellow streamer, @sjokz, took to the platform to proclaim Pokimane’s beauty both inside and out, admonishing those who hurled judgment at her for daring to stream without makeup.
The tweet garnered over 7,100 likes, solidifying the growing support for Pokimane.
However, even amidst the sea of praise, dissenting voices emerged. Memes began to surface, and one particular tweet by Twomad sought to mock Pokimane’s appearance without makeup.
Accompanied by an unrelated photo, the tweet accrued over 3,000 likes, indicating the presence of a segment that reveled in disparaging others.
Undeterred by the onslaught, Pokimane herself responded by posting a collection of makeup-free selfies on Twitter, accompanied by a message of unity and acceptance.
She implored her followers to recognize that nobody maintains a flawless appearance around the clock, reminding them of the humanity that binds us all.
The tweet garnered over 74,000 likes and 6,000 retweets, demonstrating the resilience and power of a community united in empathy.
The saga continued to unfold as YouTuber Gloom and Pokimane herself addressed the controversy in videos, each amassing hundreds of thousands of views.
The image, however, persisted in its journey through the annals of internet culture. In May 2020, YouTuber Viditro entered the fray with a video criticizing the image, drawing comparisons to elderly characters in a display that sought to belittle Pokimane.
This video, with over 208,000 views, added fuel to the already raging fire, keeping the image alive and circulating within pockets of online communities.
In an ironic twist, the image that had been weaponized against Pokimane eventually became a symbol of solidarity for her supporters. Detractors who aimed to shame her found their own profile pictures adorned with the very image they sought to demean.
The tables had turned, and a wave of empowerment washed over Pokimane’s community, as they stood resolute in their defense of her character and achievements.
The culmination of this tumultuous journey arrived on February 15th, 2022, when Pokimane herself took control of the narrative.
She defiantly posted the image to her Twitter account, accompanied by a powerful declaration: “this face makes more money than you’ll ever see in your life.”
The tweet resonated deeply with her followers, amassing over 269,000 likes and 13,000 retweets within a single day.
While the detractors persisted, even prominent figures such as Drama Alert host Keemstar and streamer The Quartering chimed in with negative comments, their voices were overshadowed by the outpouring of support from fellow streamers like Valkyrae, JSchlatt, and Tina Kitten, who rallied behind Pokimane in her moment of vulnerability.
In this age of online interconnectedness, where beauty standards loom large and appearances can be manipulated at the click of a button, Pokimane’s story serves as a poignant reminder.
It reminds us that behind the screens and filters lie real people, navigating the complexities of self-expression and battling the demons of societal expectations.
Through her unwavering spirit, Pokimane has emerged as a beacon of authenticity, unafraid to challenge conventions and embrace her humanity.
As the image continues to inspire debate and serve as a symbol of empowerment, let us remember that it is not the contours of one’s face but the strength of one’s character that truly defines their worth.