Summary

17 Dollars started as a demotivational poster submitted on December 30th 2009. The image features a gangsta posing with 17 dollars in hand. The original image caused a dispute between two people arguing through the use of demotivational posters. Other people started to add to the demotivational eventually making the original image almost impossible to see. Since this instance 17 dollars is added to most rather long demotivational posters as a way of ending Demotivational arguments or ridiculing them. The meme has been steadily growing amongst the Cheezburger community and continues to grow.

Original Image and Origin

The original image depicts a young male attempting to look "gangsta" whilst holding 17 dollars worth of currency and flashing what appears to be a gang symbol with his other, empty, hand. In true demotivational fashion this image was picked up and ridiculed by an anonymous user. However controversy erupted as a debate raged based on how much money sed "gangsta" was displaying. A new user claimed the actual amount was 22 dollars and proceeded to insult the original user.

As seen above the original user didn't take too kindly to this and decided to kindly and eloquently teach the secondary user the basics of mathematics followed by a slur of his own. the battle raged on and attracted the attention of various other users some who would add to the debate and others who would criticize it. From the ashes of this war rose a new meme, one which would rear it's head when confronted by excessively long demotivational battles or even just the simple image of somebody attempting to look "Gangsta" whilst holding currency of any form.

Whilst it may not be known who started this meme or indeed how popular it may or may not become, one thing is for certain, the original image clearly shows 17 dollars.

Popularity over time

As shown interest in 17 dollars peaked in late 2008 but still gains interest. Due to the current global recession and the fact that many people may only have 17 dollars left and are trying to find out what they can buy for that amount, this chart may not be accurate.

Notable examples