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Welcome to the Monday edition of the Internet Insider, where we dissect the weekend online. Today:
- ‘Lovecraft Country’ accused of colorism after extra reveals her skin was darkened on TikTok
- TikToker saves girl from ‘creepy’ man asking about her toes
- Can animals get the COVID-19 vaccine?
BREAK THE INTERNET
‘Lovecraft Country’ accused of colorism after extra reveals her skin was darkened on TikTok
Employees exposing their workplaces through TikTok is nothing new. Sometimes the exposé is as frivolous as a McDonald’s worker revealing the recipe to the McRib, and sometimes it’s as attention-warranting as a Papa John’s employee highlighting unsanitary working conditions during a state of emergency. We saw TikTok videos on both ends of the spectrum this weekend. On one end, a Nothing Bundt Cakes worker showed how the chain’s iconic frosting is made, leaving viewers feeling less than impressed and worried for the TikToker’s job security. On the other end, an extra on Lovecraft Country alleged the show’s makeup artists darkened her skin tone while main cast members sat by, sparking accusations of colorism and blackface as well as a vital conversation online.
Meanwhile, notable Republicans are getting roasted for “embarrassing” themselves in videos that went viral over the weekend. A resurfaced video of freshman Rep. Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.) “beating up” a tree is leaving viewers wondering, “What did the tree ever do to him?” And House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy posted a video of himself dramatically reading Green Eggs and Ham in defense of Dr. Seuss, who some conservatives are painting as a victim of liberal wokeness and “cancel culture.” The book isn’t even among the six Dr. Seuss books going out of circulation, a decision made solely by the company managing the author’s estate.
Catch up on more below.
-Eilish O’Sullivan, newswire editor
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VIRAL
TikToker saves girl from ‘creepy’ man asking about her toes
A woman on TikTok recorded herself helping another girl who looked like she was in an uncomfortable situation with a “creepy” man. “I’m literally about to go out, but she looks really uncomfortable,” she says, referring to the girl who’s being talked to by a man. The woman then walks across the street. As she gets closer, she pretends as if she knows the other woman. She then asks who the man is and what he wants.
-Alex Samuels, contributing writer
FROM OUR FRIENDS AT NAUTILUS
Can animals get the COVID-19 vaccine?
Ever since the first known COVID-19 infection in a dog was discovered in Hong Kong in February 2020, many have wondered if animals can get the COVID-19 vaccine to fight off the potential sickness. While animals cannot receive the same vaccines that humans get, a COVID-19 vaccine made especially for animals has successfully been developed.
-Tess Cagle, contributing writer
BTW
- ‘Disturbing’: Video shows anti-mask parents encouraging kids to burn masks
- Popular language YouTuber ‘Laoshu’ dies
- Did Indigo Raptor die? Fans are mourning the child TikToker after unconfirmed reports claim they died during live stream
- Gab mocked for posting photo of armed family, dog
- TikToker felt like he was ‘being watched’ at Airbnb—then he found a hidden room behind a vent
- Viral TikTok of secret room behind bathroom mirror draws comparisons to 1987 murder
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