Woman Says Adults Still Using Backpacks Aren’t ‘Doing Good’ And Draws Ire On The Internet

Jul 28, 2023

A New York-based content creator and comedienne ignited a wave of reactions and discussions on social media after posting a video where she criticized adults for still using backpacks. Keren Margolis might not have expected the massive response that her video generated, but it struck a nerve online and opened the floodgates to a spirited debate over the practicality and significance of using backpacks as adults.

Margolis’s video, uploaded on May 31, 2023, garnered over 1.5 million views in just a few days and received nearly 30,000 comments. She asserted that grownups who still carry backpacks are showing their lack of wealth. 

The comedienne started her video with a disclaimer, but she quickly delved into her distaste for adults who opt for backpacks. As she walked through a neighborhood, Margolis asserted her belief that adult backpack users might be hustling but aren’t crushing their lives. So, they end up with a bag that doesn’t show their financial status.

TikTok users have expressed confusion and criticism over the comedienne’s logic, pointing out that there are numerous practical reasons why people have never outgrown backpacks, which are widely popular bags for school-age kids. Some commenters emphasized that backpacks are practical and efficient for a variety of purposes, including carrying work supplies like laptops and other daily essentials. Many also argued that the type of bag someone carries does not dictate their success in life or their financial situation.

Margolis used to appear in the comedy sketch series “Inside Amy Schumer” and she also has a regular podcast “Race Wars” and “Unhireable.” She performed at various comedy clubs and festivals across the U.S. and has nearly 2,000 followers on TikTok. 

“This is no shade, but if you’re an adult wearing a backpack, you’re not doing good,” Margolis said. “I’m sure you’re hustling, I’m sure you’re on your grind, but you’re not, like, crushing it.”

In response to the video, the TikTok community rallied to defend backpack users, creating witty and humorous video responses showcasing the convenience and versatility of backpacks. Some even called out Margolis’s seeming hypocrisy, pointing to a previous Instagram post where she was seen sporting a backpack with the hashtag #extremewealth.

One user showed two of her weirdest backpacks, tagged Margolis and said that she’s just jealous of backpack users. 

“Listen, lady! I’m doing just fine,” said another TikTok user, Tyler Champagne, who shared a video of himself wearing his son’s dog-designed backpack. “My son thinks I’m crushing it when I help him carry his bag.” 

Lexi, another TikToker who said she’s in her 20s, showed her collection of cute pink backpacks designed with Hello Kitty and Sailor Moon. She said that backpacks are “super useful no matter what age you are.” 

Some also pointed out the potential classist and judgmental undertones in Margolis’s assertion and they expressed concern that associating backpack usage with homelessness or financial struggles perpetuated such harmful stereotypes. 

This further fueled the discussion, as many users emphasized the importance of respecting individual choices and not judging others based on their appearance or accessories. Meanwhile, some suggested that Margolis may have been employing satire or humor in her video, but the backlash and viral response showed that the message did not resonate well with many viewers. 

In response, however, Margolis posted another video, this time on her Instagram, where she’s using a classic shoulder bag. She once again captioned the video with the words, “No shade.” 

Do you agree with Keren Margolis’ comments about adult backpack users? Do you think she was being satirical? Do you know someone who still uses a backpack? Tell them about this story and get in on the debate!