Its a Trap
In 2002, the phrase “Its a trap” became popular.
It was originally said by the character Admiral
Ackbar from the film Star Wars Episode VI:
Return of the Jedi released in 1983. After an
unexpected ambush, Ackbar proclaims “its a
trap!” This caught on as a meme because of its
overstated explanation of the scene. (Fig. 25) It
has since spread through various fandoms and
other memes. It has appeared in popular culture
as well, such as in the show Family Guy, which
had a Star Wars parody episode entitled “Its a
trap.” The meme has also been adapted to read-
ing “its a tarp” as a play on words and parody.
Peanut Butter Jelly Time
fig. 25
“Peanut Butter Jelly Time” (PBJT) is a flash
animation of a cartoon banana dancing with
the song “Peanut Butter Jelly Time” by The
Buckwheat Boyz. (Fig. 26) This meme became
popular in 2002 because of its humor and
obnoxiousness. There have been countless par-
odies and merchendise based on this video,
including the character Brian of Family Guy
dressed in a banana costume and dancing.
Star Wars Kid
In 2002, Ghyslain Raza released a video on
Youtube of humself using a golf-ball retriever
to fight imaginary enemies mimicing the fight-
ing style of the character Darth Maul from
Star Wars Episode 1. (Fig. 27) The original
video has over one billion vews on Youtube.
This video was not intended to be made pub-
lic and in 2003, Raza’s parents filed a quarter
million-dollar harassment lawsuit for emo-
tional sufferings and psychological damages.
fig. 26
fig. 27
The Meme Textbook | 15