The meme was popularized in May 2024 as a reaction image and later in December 2024 incorporated on TikTok alongside black and white redraws of other prominent characters being portrayed as a friend's council deciding on certain topics.

It's always a shame when someone misses out on a joke … but this is just embarrassing.

Here's how a stock photo of a chain-breaking silhouette became a symbol for people to share stories of breaking free from self-made cages.