It’s hard to believe that it was so long ago but it really has been a decade since Chris Crocker took to YouTube, screaming at the world for disrespecting Britney Spears.
Crocker went on to become a viral sensation for his words, though he was mocked rather than celebrated by most.
10 years ago today I uploaded this pic.twitter.com/wslJlsWHoz
— Chris Crocker (@ChrisCrocker) September 10, 2017
Crocker took to Twitter to mark the anniversary and shared a sweet message about everything he has learned from the experience of being an internet star.
He shares a number of life lessons, which include “to not let the things people say about you online get to you”, “don’t let the words other people say about you define you,” “be cautious when you post things” and “let the haters kick rocks.”
He also talks about the difficult circumstances he had to overcome ten years ago, including his mum becoming homeless and having addiction issues after returning from serving in Iraq: “I knew that if I tried to explain that then no one would listen to me, so instead what I decided was ‘Oh if they think I’m a joke, then I’m going to act like a joke’ – that didn’t help me out in the long run.”
What I have learned since posting the 'Leave Britney Alone' video,
(10 years ago, today.) pic.twitter.com/iNG6vWadtR
— Chris Crocker (@ChrisCrocker) September 10, 2017
Tweeters were hugely positive to the post:
This dude is so so awesome. Someone get him an advice column! https://t.co/Lq4csKVgr6
— Chris Hayes (@chrislhayes) September 10, 2017
This is really sweet and wise. Also a sad reminder of how internet fame can really mess with young people's lives. https://t.co/SLbwXHb8GE
— Elad Nehorai (@PopChassid) September 10, 2017
Powerful message https://t.co/1j6UynIBCz
— Steve Kiggins (@Q13FOXKiggins) September 10, 2017
Let's remember that Chris Crocker paved the way for LGBT creators to feel more comfortable sharing who we are to the rest of the world k bye
— Chrish (@mistachrish) September 10, 2017
not to be dramatic but chris crocker invented youtube https://t.co/fs9TQPxVwY
— hallie. (@seriouslyhallie) September 11, 2017
you were iconic then and you're iconic now
— Christine Sydelko (@csydelko) September 11, 2017
Via Twitter