This entry explores the internet phenomenon known as the “As A Former Street Nigga Myself” meme, tracing its origins, spread, and unexpected connection to a tragic real-world event.
As_a_former_street_myself_cover_
The Genesis of a Catchphrase
The meme originated from a tweet posted on X (formerly Twitter) by user @chickenjorhe on January 13th, 2022. Commenting on rapper Lil Durk’s social media blackout, @chickenjorhe wrote, “As a former street nigga myself, I know what dat means.” This seemingly innocuous statement took on a life of its own when another X user, @Toriquex1, replied with a picture of a young boy in a prayerful pose, ironically juxtaposing the image with the original tweet’s phrase “As a former street nigga myself.” This combination of text and image quickly resonated online, garnering over 7,000 likes and hundreds of reposts within two years, marking the birth of a viral catchphrase.
Teflon Sam Jan 13, 2022 @chickenjorhe. Follow X Lil Durk deleted all his socials. As a former street n—- myself, I know what dat means Jed! @Toriquex1 Follow
From Tweet to Reaction Meme
Over the following years, the tweet and image pairing evolved into a popular reaction image across X and Reddit. It became particularly favored for mocking instances of white individuals using the N-word online. The ironic tone and unexpected image of the praying child served as a humorous yet pointed commentary on cultural appropriation and online identity. For example, in November 2023, X user @Koma_Swirlious effectively used the “as a former street myself” meme as a retort to a tweet containing the N-word, gaining considerable traction and solidifying its use as a form of online critique. Similarly, a Reddit post in April 2024 by user attentionseeker69420, featuring the image macro with the caption “as a former street myself,” demonstrated the meme’s continued presence and adaptability across different platforms.
AS A FORMER STREET N—- MYSELF
The Unsettling Ethan Crumbley Revelation
In a surprising and disturbing turn, the meme took on a darker layer of meaning in May 2024. TikTok creator @charleybournetruecrime, known for true crime content, posted a video about the tragic Oxford High School shooting of November 2021. The video revealed that the child featured in the “as a former street myself” meme was Ethan Crumbley, the perpetrator of the shooting that claimed the lives of four students. This revelation went viral, amassing hundreds of thousands of views within a day and fundamentally altering the perception of the meme. The image, once used for ironic online commentary, was now inextricably linked to a real-world tragedy, prompting reflection on the meme’s nature and the complexities of internet humor.
@charleybournetruecrime these cases absolutely break my heart #truecrime #truecrimetok #truecrimetiktok #truecrimetiktoks #crimetok #crimetiktok #crimestory #truecrimecommunity #truecrimestory ♬ Creepy horror ambient(1022762) – howlingindicator
Examples and Evolving Context
The meme’s usage, post-revelation, is now fraught with the knowledge of Ethan Crumbley’s identity. While some may continue to use it in its original ironic context, the association with the school shooting adds a layer of discomfort and ethical consideration. The examples circulating online after the TikTok reveal often reflect shock and disbelief at the connection, demonstrating the meme’s transformation from a piece of internet humor to something far more complex and sensitive.
Conclusion
The “As a Former Street Nigga Myself” meme journey highlights the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of internet culture. Originating as a humorous response to online behavior, it evolved into a reaction image with specific connotations. The unexpected link to Ethan Crumbley, however, has indelibly altered its meaning, injecting a somber note into what was once a piece of lighthearted internet satire. This transformation serves as a reminder of the complex relationship between online content, real-world events, and the evolving landscape of meme culture.
External References
[1] X – Toriquex1
[2] X – Koma_Swirlious
[3] Reddit – attentionseeker69420
[4] TikTok – charleybournetruecrime
