The 'What Kind of American Are You?' meme originates from a high-tension scene in the 2024 A24 film 'Civil War,' featuring Jesse Plemons as a menacing, red-sunglass-wearing soldier questioning a group of journalists. The scene quickly went viral online as a commentary on extreme tribalism and gatekeeping. In the meme's usage, the question is often applied to absurdly specific subcultures, regional disputes, or niche internet interests, where the 'wrong' answer implies immediate exclusion or metaphorical danger. It perfectly captures the feeling of being interrogated by someone who has already decided whether or not you belong to their group.