(SPOT.ph) Unless you've somehow managed to escape the avalanche of black-and-white portraits that recently popped up on Instagram, then we're sure you're wondering: What the heck is up with the #ChallengeAccepted trend? Women across the globe have taken to posting pictures of themselves online with the caption "Challenge accepted," tagging others to do the same, and essentially flooding social media platforms with their faces—all in the name of female empowerment.
These photos are meant to promote women empowerment, wrote Taylor Lorenz of the New York Times and "nominating friends to take part in the campaign is a way for women to support each other." Several popular and powerful female figures in the Philippines have also taken part in the "challenge," from celebs such as Andi Eigenmann and Liza Soberano, and even Vice President Leni Robredo.
Lorenz traced the trend back to 2016, when black-and-white photos were first used to spread "cancer awareness"—it has since been repurposed for whatever vague message of "positivity" trended next. This particular surge and variation appears to have started with Brazilian journalist Ana Paula Padrão; Her post was accompanied by the hashtag #womensupportingwomen.
Amid all the lovely self-portraits, some people have pointed out the seeming pointlessness. For starters, what exactly is the "challenge"? Is it the struggle for equality? We're not entirely sure how posting a selfie would upend the patriarchy but we guess visibility is always a good thing. "Black-and-white selfies have been leveraged in support of various vague causes over the years, ultimately having no measurable impact on any of them," wrote Lorenz on Twitter.
At the very least, the trend has given us some pretty funny reactions. From folks lost on the supposed meaning and mission of the challenge to some calling back to the good old beginnings of Internet memes, we round up some of the most hilarious reactions and versions of #ChallengeAccepted trend.
9Gaggers, unite!
Plus points if you can name the person in the photo.
Anyone else not getting it?
Unique Salonga or Maris Racal? You decide.
Gretchen Ho used her slot to stan Park Bo Gum
Just jumpin' on the bandwagon.
Don't worry, the post is done loading.
Hey, we're trying to contribute to the conversation, okay?
Shrek doesn't get it either.
Barney Stinson might have something to say about this trend.
A++ pun.
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