Know your Memes (Real Stories behind them)

Jul 12, 2017 11:00 PM

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The woman behind the first world problems meme, Silvia Bottini, is an Italian born model and actress who's been in a ton of commercials, and she even offers a public speaking course. She's basically the perfect person to represent the First World Problems meme.

Because the Internet moves so fast, a lot of people don't remember that the Overly Attached Girl meme was created to poke fun at the clingier aspects of Justin Bieber's single "Boyfriend." The original lyrics are a little creepy - "If I was your boyfriend, never let you go / Keep you on my arm girl, you'd never be alone."

Lana Morris, a YouTuber, decided to do a parody song called "Girlfriend" in which she made fun of how incredibly clingy J. Biebs sounded in his song. A still from the newly dubbed "Overly Attached Girlfriend's" YouTube video went viral in 2012, and never slowed down. Fortunately, Laina Morris has been able to capitalize on the meme and build a career around it.

Scumbag Steve, the meme everyone loves to hate, is actually named Blake Boston and really is kind of a scumbag. The original photo is from his mom's 2006 Myspace page. According to Boston, he could have "stopped everything" going on with his photo being used by a meme, but didn't want to seem "uncool."

When Kyle Craven's friend posted a yearbook outtake photo of his to Reddit, things got very real, very quickly. The photo in question was actually taken as a joke. In an interview with the Washington Post, Kyle said that ?Picture days were always fun days for me,? and that he rubbed his face to make it red, squinted his eyes, puffed out his jaw and took what he thought would be a funny photo. Little did he know that a goof like that would make him Internet famous a few years later.

When a photo of Laney Griner's son Sammy became one of the most popular web memes ever, she wasn't happy. But a few years later, she used the unwanted popularity of the meme to help raise $100,000 for her husband's dialysis, and to pay for his kidney transplant. See? The Internet isn't all bad.

The "Stop Girl" meme all started at a college football game. During a 2010 game between the University of Arizona and Iowa, Sarah - the student who would soon become Stop Girl - had a camera trained on her as she watched the game in agony. Her request that the camera man stop filming her lead to a bunch of weirdos on Reddit falling in love with her. Sarah is understandably weirded out by the whole thing, and hopes that she can put the Internet's fascination with her in the rearview.

Know your Memes (Real Stories behind them)

Despite seeming like the portrait of a child arsonist, "Disaster Girl" actually has fairly normal origins. In 2004, the girl and her dad, Dave Roth, were watching their local fire department perform a training exercise, and Roth snapped a perfectly timed picture. Even though Disaster Girl has grown up into a Disaster Young Woman, she still gives us the creeps.

No Tardar Sauce, a.k.a. Grumpy Cat?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Laina Morris*

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Silvia Bottini is way too sexy, +1

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

" and really is kind of a scumbag" Wtf kinda thing is that to say about a stranger. Unless he's some serial criminal, you can fuck off OP.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Lana Morris has been donating all the money she makes from her meme to a local (Texas) camp for autistic children.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Wasn't stop girl married to an imgurian?

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

Silvia Bottini - http://imgur.com/0aV34ck

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Is it 2012 again?

8 years ago | Likes 10 Dislikes 0

If only if only the woodpecker cried.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

We are reminded again that someone who needs kidney dialysis in the US to stay alive has to resort to begging for money on the Internet.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

#2 she actually really liked Justin Bieber. It was still a joke song, but IIRC, the video was specifically for a contest to see JB live.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

The funny thing is that almost all love songs (going back decades) fall into a "that's clingy/creepy" category.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh God is this old

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

From what I saw, scumbag Steve isn't a scumbag in real life

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 2

Why did you claim that "Scumbag Steve" really is a scumbag and then present no evidence for this conclusion?

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Because OP copied and pasted this shit.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

I've always found it strange that Scumbag Steve looks like your average UK Chav. Previously known known as Caps or Trendies back in the 90s.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"She's basically the perfect person to represent the First World Problems meme."... How so? You gave no reason for that.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

#1 and that's actually a scar, not a tear.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The fact scum bag Steve looks more of a scumbag in a normal picture is troubling.

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

These are actually memes. Not just a picture with some random shitty text!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

My greatest dream is to have my overweight scandinavian mug be turned into a meme someday.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The Overly Attached Girlfriend can be overly attached about me

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 5

Disaster girl now looks like Viggo Mortenson with a clean shave

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Oh, now I can sleep!

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

haha youve made my evening complete

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

One comment at a time!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Overly attached girlfriend is smoking hot

8 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 11

Each to their own but crazy eyes and horse teeth. Seems like a good person though

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 10

Why do people feel the need to go after someone else's teeth? Her teeth are actually a really good quality about her.

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 4

People are attracted to symmetry so they pick out thing that are a symmetrical or I'll proportioned

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Maybe even asymmetrical and ill proportioned.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yeah, going to say he doesn't look like a scumbag now. And stop girl? She could stop telling people.

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 2

"STOP"

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

She had one interview and she hides her identity. Acknowledging something isn't the same as encouraging it...

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I don't even know who she is, honestly. Never seen her meme before.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 1

Think of all the things that the older generations are missing out on. Like 2 girls 1 cup, cash me owlside etc.. what did they ever see/do?

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Chris Hardwick's mo-in-law Patty Hearst was an analog meme in the 70's: http://coolcleveland.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/PattyHearst.jpg

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Analog meme. Excellent.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Scumbag Steve\Blake Boston isn't a scumbag: http://knowyourmeme.com/blog/interviews/qa-with-blake-boston-scumbag-steve

8 years ago | Likes 93 Dislikes 2

Yeah, I love how the description says he kind of is a scumbag, and then gives no reason why.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I was gonna say the same thing but w/o the link. Just pouty and hoping you take it to heart.

8 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

I can confirm that he was a scumbag in middle school. Not sure how much he's changed now though.

8 years ago | Likes 22 Dislikes 3

Who isn't though?

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 2

I was the kid who had to deal with the scumbags

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 5

you were probably a scumbag too don't worry <3

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I also remember success kid was actually eating sand lol

8 years ago | Likes 1480 Dislikes 3

I thought he was about to throw salt actually...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

they all are to some degree

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Also who the fuck cut that kids hair??

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 2

Someone with a bowl

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Here in germany we have postcards with the full picture and the text "Ich hasse Sandburgen" (I hate sandcastles)

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I'm pretty sure that he was mad because his sandcastle got destroyed.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

The L.A. Beast ate sand recently, among other things...

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Successfully!

8 years ago | Likes 284 Dislikes 1

As success kid do.

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

My god, it's so obvious now, I don't know how I missed it.

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 0

You wasnt looking!!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I wanna see unpopular opinion puffin, confession bear, awkward seal, awkward penguin, terrible tiger, and hypnotoad

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 2

The puffin is a painting I think

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Hypnotoad is from futurama

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

What is toad doing today

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Receiving all the glory!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

hypnotizing everybody

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I heard that scumbag Steve was actually a really good dude. The whole scumbag monicker really forced him to be extra nice and reasonable

8 years ago | Likes 401 Dislikes 3

Monicker, as in Monicker and Chandler from FRIENDS

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Weird, I saw two different interview videos of him and the vibe I got from both was "this guy's a douche".

8 years ago | Likes 16 Dislikes 2

1) Plenty of people are "good dudes." 2) Where did you hear that from, and how could you have possibly met enough believable people

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

i still think good guy greg is just as scummy but charmed you into believing he’s good.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

[deleted]

[deleted]

8 years ago (deleted Oct 15, 2021 11:37 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

I mean, who among us hasn't been all those things?

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 1

[deleted]

[deleted]

8 years ago (deleted Oct 15, 2021 11:37 PM) | Likes 0 Dislikes 0

I'm at least 2 of those things right now.

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I have personally Spoken to Blake many times. He is a great guy! I assure you!

8 years ago | Likes 125 Dislikes 2

Hello, it's me, your brother!

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

*Squints* Sounds like something Blake would say.

8 years ago | Likes 156 Dislikes 0

but does he love kittens?

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Yes! Especially with a pasta side dish

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Oh dear. Having to RAISE money for a kidney transplant.

8 years ago | Likes 256 Dislikes 6

They should have just sold meth like the rest of us

8 years ago | Likes 51 Dislikes 1

AMERICAAA! FUCK YEaah... *off tune electric guitar fading into a sad trombone*

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Isn't there a country song called "Only in America?" Yeah, that makes me think of this song...

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Hey hey!!! I found you again!!! Siesta is better than no está - my favourite Spanish joke!!!!!! :) never stop posting, your name is great!

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

How is nationalized medicine working out for Charlie Gard?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 5

No idea. I'm in Norway, - it's all covered here. Luckily.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

No worse than the same story would have played out in 'murica. No pay, no live.

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Except US taxes are lower

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 2

And your point is? How much would you have to be earning for a 10% tax cut to pay the ongoing medical bills of this kid?

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Hint, it would be several million dollars. In this case you have a US doctor overstating the chance of success (sight unseen) to suck in

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

"hopes that she can put the Internet's fascination with her in the rearview" - literally holds a sign saying who she is in case we missed it

8 years ago | Likes 1398 Dislikes 15

Yea, she's literally the only one I didn't recognize as either the person or the meme :/.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

She perhaps thought that by ending the mystery of who she was, and answering questions, that people would lose interest.

8 years ago | Likes 56 Dislikes 0

And married an imgurian!

8 years ago | Likes 21 Dislikes 1

Trudat

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

You can accept your fame without embracing the legions of creepo internet randoms who send you messages about what they'd like to do to you.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 1

Stop girls wants the internet to stop

8 years ago | Likes 17 Dislikes 0

FCC is doing this already. HER PLAN IN UNFOLDING! MUAHAHAHA

8 years ago | Likes 9 Dislikes 1

My thought exactly

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Ending the mystery

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I've never heard of this 'stop girl' before.

8 years ago | Likes 147 Dislikes 7

I only knew her from the gif. Quite a pretty smile, but it sounds like i thankfully missed out on the obsession.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

First i found the creppy gif eventually the original; still creeps me out

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 1

Glad I'm not the only one!

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Really? She married an imgurian. She's basically family at this point.

8 years ago | Likes 13 Dislikes 2

Looks like it worked.

8 years ago | Likes 37 Dislikes 0

She has a whole subreddit....or did....they just post the same gift over and over

8 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 3

Gift? What'd they get her?

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 1

She's an actor. The most important thing for an actor is to be present.

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Some imgurian is her husband actually. Posted proof a year or so ago.

8 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

Yes, it was @Unluky

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

v

8 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Yeah, the sign picture is from his post about marrying her. She didn't make the sign for her own fame.

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Makes sense

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 406 Dislikes 1

Never saw this b4 rn, I think she is safe from internet's "obsession" with her.

8 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 9

Ok that is insanely cute

8 years ago | Likes 31 Dislikes 0

She doth protest too much

8 years ago | Likes 24 Dislikes 2

Or not enough...depending on your tastes.

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 0

I want the one where her mouth are also her eyes

8 years ago | Likes 61 Dislikes 0

So did she attend Arizona or Iowa?

8 years ago | Likes 8 Dislikes 3

She's in the Zona Zoo so def UofA.

8 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Def Arizona based on all that red

8 years ago | Likes 11 Dislikes 0

v

8 years ago | Likes 204 Dislikes 5

This is the greatest fucking gif

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Where are her teeth?

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

I stared into the abyss and the abyss stared back

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Every time. It gets posted every fucking time. Still terrifying

8 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

8 years ago | Likes 36 Dislikes 1

@IRatetits

8 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 1

Thank you for tagging me in this

8 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

Well that's fucking horrifying

8 years ago | Likes 108 Dislikes 0

v

8 years ago | Likes 19 Dislikes 0