The 'MLK Didn't Die For This' meme is a prolific reaction phrase used to signal disappointment or mockery toward modern events, trends, or behaviors. Originally rooted in genuine social commentary regarding the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., it evolved into a widespread internet trope often used ironically to react to trivial internet drama or 'cringe' content. A significant boost in its visual popularity came from the Adult Swim series 'The Boondocks,' which featured a famous episode where a returned MLK is horrified by contemporary culture. Today, the meme is a staple on platforms like X (Twitter) and Reddit, serving as a shorthand for expressing that a particular action is a perceived insult to the progress or dignity represented by the civil rights movement.