A humorous take on aging has captured the attention of millions, as Melani Sanders, a 45-year-old mother from West Palm Beach, Florida, recently found herself at the center of a viral sensation with her social media creation, the We Do Not Care Club. Since its launch, Sanders’s comedic videos address the challenges faced by women experiencing perimenopause and menopause, resonating strongly with a broad audience.
On June 26, 2023, Sanders posted a video that quickly gained traction, amassing over 12 million views on Facebook. In her signature deadpan style, she introduced the club with a simple yet impactful message: “We are simply putting the world on notice that we just do not care anymore.” Dressed casually and humorously employing three pairs of glasses, she delivered a series of relatable announcements, humorously declaring that members do not care about various societal expectations.
Her announcements included topics such as matching outfits and cooking preferences, each delivered with impeccable comic timing. “We do not care if our bra, underwear, or socks match,” she stated, capturing the spirit of women who embrace authenticity over societal pressures. As viewers watched, they began to engage enthusiastically in the comment section, sharing their own “We do not care” moments.
The overwhelming response left Sanders feeling both exhilarated and overwhelmed. “I ran,” she confessed, reflecting on her initial reaction to the unexpected fame. “I cut my phone off. I said, ‘No more social media for me — no more.’” Despite early fears of inadequacy, she has since embraced her newfound platform and the community that has formed around her.
The inspiration for the We Do Not Care Club struck Sanders on May 13, 2023, while she sat in her car. Observing her reflection, she realized that she had reached a point where she “truly just do not care much anymore.” This moment of self-acceptance motivated her to record a video, hoping to connect with others who might share her sentiments about aging and societal expectations.
As the movement gained momentum, Sanders noted the significant growth of her following. On July 23, 2023, she shared in a video that the club now boasts over 2 million members. The initiative’s popularity has attracted attention from various media outlets, including a feature in The New York Times and appearances on popular television shows like Drew Barrymore’s. Sanders has also received endorsements from notable personalities, including Megyn Kelly, who praised her for her candid approach.
In response to the surge in interest, Sanders is working on creating a handbook titled “The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook: A Guide for Women in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond Who Are Over It.” This resource aims to support women navigating similar life stages with humor and camaraderie.
Imitation has also played a role in the club’s expansion, as many have created their own versions of We Do Not Care announcements. Sanders welcomes these contributions and emphasizes that her initiative is about fostering a sense of community. “Nothing is mandatory for you to do but to just be a good person and to be OK with who you are,” she said.
As the We Do Not Care Club continues to thrive, it serves as a testament to the power of humor in addressing the challenges of aging, encouraging women to embrace their individuality and share their experiences without shame.
