2021 in review: FIVE common people who turned into overnight internet sensation
2021 was a pretty interesting year in internet culture. From mask mandates to political ideology, internet users engaged in widespread debate for a variety of reasons, and on many occasions, it might have ended differently from what they expected. We saw hundreds of people go viral this year, becoming memes and immortalizing themselves in pop culture for their actions.
As we end the year, we thought now would be an apt time to look back at some of those moments. Of course, there's a lot to pick from! We've seen plenty of 'Karens' make the list, from 'Delta Karen' Patricia Cornwall to the 'Universal Studios Karen'. We've also seen quite a few TikTok stars go global, such as American rugby Olympic athlete Ilona Maher. It's been really hard to choose just five people amidst all these choices, but we've tried.
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Here's our pick of the five biggest internet sensations in 2021, with each offering something new we've never seen before.
#1: The rollerblading Wisconsin man
We've seen plenty of videos of people escaping the police, but their mode of transport has almost always been a car. Then in September, one Wisconsin man put those efforts to shame with his attempt. TikToker Breyley Stephenson captured the unidentified man escaping police pursuit on rollerblades, set to the tune of the Warren Zeiders song 'Ride the Lightning'. Needless to say, the video created a new legend and a new standard for police pursuits. Can anyone beat him? Only time will tell.
#2: Alfredo Rivera - the (acting) hero we all needed
Troublesome airline passengers have been all over the news in 2021, with crew struggling to contain rowdy passengers. In August, one flyer named Maxwell Berry really crossed a line by groping a female cabin crew member of Frontier Airlines. In retaliation, one crew member decided to duct tape Berry to his seat. He was never identified, by comedian Rivera took it upon himself to pretend he was responsible, with a hilarious spoof video. "You’re going to have to attend this arse whooping," he said in the video, which quickly racked up thousands of views and likes. Unfortunately, we may never know the real hero behind the act, but his actions will clearly live on in the immortal words of Rivera.
#3: One woman's novel gym tip
For as long as there have been gyms, there have been gym creeps. Women have always had to contend with men hitting on them with little recourse, but one user proved there was a better way. TikToker @blackmarketbagelsociety0 went viral in mid-December for her hack on keeping men away at the gym. "Guess my form is just better this week," she mocked after recording herself all alone after adding a few fake hickeys to her neck. Love it or hate it, you can't deny it just works.
#4: The pro third-grade teacher and basketballer Ms. Fitz
On December 23, a Washington school teacher named Kathleen Fitzpatrick turned into an internet sensation for throwing a full-court basket during a game with her third-grade students. It quickly led to the revelation she was no ordinary teacher - it appears Ms. Fitz had a promising basketball career in high school and even represented the Rutgers WBB team. It's unclear why she gave up on that career, but the delightful squeals of the children certainly made the internet's day. Adding to their delight, Ms. Fitz also treated the class to hot chocolate after succeeding in her effort.
#5: Victoria's Secret gets its own Karen
As we mentioned earlier, the net has anointed a lot of 'Karens' in 2021, but we think the Victoria Secret Karen really takes the cake. In July, Abigail Elphick was immortalized for her wild breakdown at a Victoria's Secret store in Short Hills Mall, New Jersey. From crying and calling for the police to screaming "don't record me", Elphick's award-winning performance had the net hooked throughout the three-minute-long video. Contender for an Oscar for best drama? We'd say so...