The 'Poor Kids of Tehran' meme emerged as a satirical response to the 'Rich Kids of Tehran' Instagram account, which showcased the lavish lifestyles of Iran's elite. While the original account flaunted supercars and mansions, the 'Poor Kids' movement used social media to highlight the stark economic realities and the resourceful, often humorous, ways ordinary people live. It serves as a commentary on wealth inequality and has become a popular format for expectation vs. reality jokes. Users employ this template to poke fun at pretentiousness or to celebrate the humble, gritty charm of everyday life in the city.