When the cashier asks if you d like to make a donation to the poor You know I m something of a POOR myself
The image shows a meme with a two-part text overlaying a scene featuring a man in professional attire. The top text reads "When the cashier asks if you’d like to make a donation to the poor." Below, the man in the image is depicted with a half-smirk and is quoted saying "You know, I’m something of a POOR myself." The scene appears to be set outdoors with a city park backdrop, a classic car to the left, and what seems like a high-rise building in the distance.
The man in the meme, who is central to the humor, is wearing a suit and tie, suggesting a measure of professionalism or formality. Despite this attire, which is typically associated with financial stability or even affluence, his statement humorously contradicts his appearance, as he self-identifies as "poor." His facial expression, a knowing and somewhat wry smile, adds to the comedic effect, as it implies a sort of cheeky camaraderie with the viewer – as if he’s sharing a personal, ironic secret.
The contradiction is where much of the humor lies. In real-life interactions, asking customers to donate to the poor is a common occurrence at many retail establishments. Typically, the expectation is that customers will have spare income to contribute. The humor in the meme comes from the subverted expectation when the professionally dressed man implies that he, despite appearances, is not in a position to donate because he himself is "poor."
Another layer of humor can be found in the relatability of the situation. Many people may feel the pressure to donate at the checkout, even when their own financial situation is tight. The character's response taps into a common feeling that, despite outward appearances, one might not always be in the best financial shape. It reflects a common sentiment in a hyperbolic and humorous manner, connecting with people's own experiences of feeling financially strained.
The format of the meme – with a top caption setting up a situation followed by a reaction or punchline at the bottom – is a classic and widely recognized structure in internet humor. It allows the viewer to quickly understand the setup and then be surprised or amused by the twist in the punchline. The man’s expression and posture serve as the visual punchline, which delivers the humor effectively.
Overall, the meme is likely to be funny to people because it combines relatability with the surprise of humor that arises from juxtaposition and contradiction. The viewer doesn't expect someone who looks like the man pictured to declare themselves as someone in need. The lighthearted approach to discussing personal finance might also provide a subtle form of social commentary, poking fun at the awkward situations people can find themselves in when it comes to discussing money in public settings. When the cashier asks if you d like to make a donation to the poor You know I m something of a POOR myself
