Why Are People Saying 'Blame Canada?' Memes About The Smoke From The Canadian Wildfires Explained

As the wildfires continue to rage in western Canada, more and more American states are beginning to feel the effect of the thick smoke emanating from the flames. New York got a taste of the dystopian scene early in June 2023 and with the smog now traveling over the Midwest, internet reactions toward the fires now range from jokes about the world being lit through the Mexican Filter to jokes about blaming Canada.

When Did Internet Users First Start Hearing About The Canadian Wildfires?

News about the extent of the fires in Nova Scotia began to trickle into the U.S. in late May when a video of a family driving through a treacherous part of the flaming forest was shared by several news outlets.

Dashcam video shows a family driving through fiery plumes of smoke as a wildfire rages in Canada pic.twitter.com/LN1gpXLDP3

— CNN International (@cnni) May 29, 2023

But internet users really began paying attention to the flames after thick smoke from the fires drifted into major East Coast cities and drenched the skyline in an eerie yellow glow.

Check out this almost unbelievable time-lapse of wildfire smoke consuming the World Trade Center and the New York City skyline.

Those vulnerable to poor air quality, including seniors and young children, should limit time outdoors if possible.

More: https://t.co/ChRuWv7X6E pic.twitter.com/mtKtLun8lN

— NWS New York NY (@NWSNewYorkNY) June 7, 2023

What Are Some Memes People Are Making About The Fire And Smog, And Why Are People Saying 'Blame Canada?'

One of the most popular memes about the issuing yellow smog from the wildfire smoke is how much it resembles the "Mexico filter." For those not in the know, Hollywood cinema's tendency to depict certain countries like Mexico as noticeably yellow and dustier than others is a well-documented film practice.

Another meme that made a resurgence due to the smog affecting American cities near the Canadian fires is a South Park song from 1999 called Blame Canada. The song, which was sung by an overzealous South Park mother looking for someone to blame for her children's bad behavior in the film, went on to be nominated for an Academy Award.

The catchphrase serves some people with a lighthearted way to point to what might be causing poor air quality in their area this summer, but not everyone is pleased with the idea of poking fun at what is a massive environmental disaster.

For the full history of the 2023 Canada wildfires, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.