The 'X Made Mikuru Cry' meme is a classic reaction image originating from the 2006 anime series The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya. It features the character Mikuru Asahina, the soft-spoken and frequently bullied time-traveler, in a state of visible distress or tears. Fans of the series began using screenshots of her crying to jokingly condemn others for saying something offensive or 'mean' on internet forums like 4chan and Reddit. The meme captures the essence of the 'must protect' trope common in anime fandom, using Mikuru's exaggerated sadness to highlight a perceived injustice or a controversial take. Today, it remains a nostalgic favorite for anime fans looking to express guilt or dramatic disappointment in a lighthearted, meme-friendly way.