The Jordan Effect: 5 Shocking Truths Behind The 'And I Took That Personally' Meme

The iconic phrase "And I took that personally" has cemented its place in internet and sports culture, becoming the go-to expression for dramatically overreacting to a minor slight or transforming a small grievance into intense personal motivation. As of December 15, 2025, this meme remains a cornerstone of online discourse, used everywhere from social media platforms to corporate meeting rooms to illustrate a sudden, fierce commitment to success fueled by perceived disrespect.

Its enduring virality is directly tied to the legendary competitive spirit of Michael Jordan, whose documentary, *The Last Dance*, gave birth to the quote. However, the true story behind the phrase is far more fascinating—and perhaps a little inaccurate—than most people realize, revealing a surprising twist that speaks volumes about how internet culture shapes our collective memory.

The True Origin and Michael Jordan's Competitive Biography

The phrase's explosion into a global meme can be traced back to the Netflix and ESPN documentary series, *The Last Dance*, which aired in 2020. The series chronicled the Chicago Bulls' 1997–98 season, providing an unprecedented look into the team's dynasty and, more importantly, the psychological makeup of its undisputed leader, Michael Jordan.

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The documentary repeatedly showcased Jordan's uncanny ability to internalize any slight—no matter how small or trivial—and use it as fuel for his relentless pursuit of victory. This competitive fire was often the catalyst for some of his most legendary performances.

• Full Name: Michael Jeffrey Jordan
• Born: February 17, 1963 (Age 62 as of 2025)
• Hometown: Brooklyn, New York
• College: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• NBA Draft: 1984 (3rd overall pick by the Chicago Bulls)
• NBA Career: 1984–1993, 1995–1998 (Chicago Bulls); 2001–2003 (Washington Wizards)
• Championships: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
• Awards: 6x NBA Finals MVP, 5x NBA MVP, 10x Scoring Champion, 14x All-Star
• Current Status: Businessman, Majority Owner of the Charlotte Hornets (until recently selling his stake in 2023), and Global Icon.

The Mandela Effect: What Jordan Actually Said in The Last Dance

One of the most surprising and fresh details about the meme is that the exact quote, "And I took that personally," is likely a misquotation—a perfect example of a modern-day Mandela Effect. While Jordan expressed the *sentiment* of taking things personally multiple times throughout the 10-part docuseries, his actual words were often slightly different.

The phrase that the meme is most likely based on is Jordan’s recollection of his rivalry with the Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys." When discussing their refusal to shake hands after a playoff sweep, Jordan said, "It became personal with me." This subtle difference—"It became personal with me" versus "And I took that personally"—is what separates the serious documentary quote from the more comical, meme-worthy catchphrase.

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How the Quote Was Meme-ified

The internet, with its love for punchy one-liners, streamlined the original quote. The meme version, "And I took that personally," is more direct, more dramatic, and better suited for a template used to exaggerate a minor event. The virality was instantaneous because the concept is universally relatable: everyone has a moment where they turn a small, trivial situation into a massive source of personal motivation, just like Jordan did with slights from players like Isiah Thomas or even the Utah Jazz's Karl Malone winning the MVP award over him.

The Enduring Impact on Meme Culture and Personal Motivation

Years after its debut, the "And I took that personally" meme continues to be a highly relevant piece of internet vernacular. Its longevity stems from its dual meaning: it is both a humorous exaggeration and a genuine commentary on the psychology of elite performance.

Entities and Situations That Trigger the Meme

The phrase is no longer confined to basketball. Its usage has expanded dramatically, applying to a vast range of scenarios across pop culture, social media, and everyday life. The meme is typically used to depict:

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• Minor Professional Grievances: A co-worker getting credit for your idea, a small criticism in a performance review, or an email that wasn't BCC'd correctly.
• Gaming Slams: Being "teabagged" in a video game, a low-level player defeating a high-level one, or a teammate using a perceived "noob" strategy.
• Everyday Life Slips: A cashier not giving a receipt, a friend forgetting to text back, or a stranger cutting in line. These are all instantly elevated to a Jordan-level personal challenge.
• Sports Rivalries: The phrase is frequently invoked in NBA and NFL subreddits to describe a player's sudden, motivated dominance after a trash-talk incident.

This widespread application has generated significant topical authority around the phrase itself, linking it not just to Jordan and the Chicago Bulls dynasty with figures like Scottie Pippen and Phil Jackson, but to the universal human experience of seeking motivation from external validation or perceived slights.

The Michael Jordan Mentality: A Deeper Look at Taking It Personal

The meme’s popularity is a testament to the power of the "Jordan Mentality." While the quote may be slightly inaccurate, the underlying behavior is entirely authentic. Jordan's intense competitiveness was a defining trait, turning every obstacle—from a perceived snub by an opponent to a challenge from a teammate like Steve Kerr—into a personal mission.

Interestingly, some sources, including Charles Barkley, used variations of the phrase years before *The Last Dance* to describe Jordan's competitive nature, suggesting the concept was already part of the NBA narrative. This pre-existing context helped the phrase resonate immediately when it appeared in the documentary.

Ultimately, "And I took that personally" is more than just a funny phrase; it’s a condensed philosophy on elite performance. It encapsulates the idea that the greatest competitors don't just react to challenges; they internalize them, transforming them into the emotional and psychological fuel needed to achieve legendary status. The meme serves as a humorous reminder that sometimes, taking things a little too personally is exactly what's needed to unlock your own inner Michael Jordan.