In 2018, a college student named Quran, known online as @chckpeas, orchestrated a controversial social media stunt that garnered widespread attention. She posed as a Black Trump supporter who had been disowned by her family due to her political beliefs, aiming to highlight and critique the dynamics of political fundraising and identity politics.Gay Pride – LGBT and Queer Voices+7indy100+7UNILAD+7indy100+5Perez Hilton+5New York Magazine+5
The Viral Campaign
Quran initiated her plan by posting a photo of herself wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, accompanied by a tweet expressing her refusal to hide her support for Donald Trump. She claimed that her parents had cut her off financially because of her political stance and included a link to a GoFundMe page, soliciting donations to cover her college tuition. The tweet quickly went viral, attracting attention from conservative circles and leading to a surge in donations. Perez Hilton+6PinkNews+6indy100+6indy100
The Revelation
However, Quran later revealed that the entire narrative was fabricated. She admitted that her parents had not disowned her and that she was not a Trump supporter. Her intention was to satirize the eagerness of some conservatives to support minority individuals who publicly align with their political views. She stated, “I just felt really weird about taking their money. This could go south really fast, I just decided to refund everyone and give their money back.” People.com+1Advocate.com+1People.com+3indy100+3Dazed Digital+3
Public Reaction
The stunt sparked a polarized response. Some praised Quran for her bold commentary on political dynamics, while others criticized her for deception and exploiting donors’ goodwill. The incident ignited discussions about the ethics of online fundraising, the authenticity of social media personas, and the complexities of political identity.Advocate.com
Broader Implications
Quran’s actions underscore the potential for social media to both challenge and reinforce political narratives. Her case illustrates how digital platforms can be used to critique societal behaviors, but also raises questions about the boundaries of satire and the responsibilities of individuals in online spaces.
In retrospect, Quran’s stunt serves as a provocative example of how identity and politics intersect in the digital age, prompting ongoing debates about authenticity, representation, and the power of social media to influence public discourse.
