Next to attention-grabbing breaking news headlines, like “If you see it, you’ll eat it, expert says” and “Top-secret underwear to give you a boost,” lies the story of a young man recently making a scene in the media. Nestled on CNN’s entertainment page, courtesy of The Associated Press, is the vague resignation of Chris Crocker, an up-and-coming star from YouTube.

Since his “Leave Britney Alone” video – now hitting 9 million views – aired Sept. 10, he’s been subject to commentary on every major broadcast network. Jimmy Kimmel and Jay Leno shared chuckles at his expense, and Fox News couldn’t figure out if he was a man or woman (go figure). Now it’s being reported that a reality television show is in the works.

Even though the article’s headline states that the “‘Leave Britney Alone’ guy” is looking forward to stardom, it alludes to his concerns with airing any of his personal life and his hesitation to perform.

After going through Crocker’s video archive, full of small segments about what it means to be normal, or why the world is still censored, it’s clear to me that the guy has good intentions. In fact, his profile on YouTube explains that his intention is to spread education and positivity – even if it is mixed into a batch of screaming, half-naked dancing and crying episodes. If he had his own voice, he might be doing some good for somebody somewhere.

Crocker’s absolutely right to be concerned about his privacy. In an interview, he mentions that his grandmother, star of the “I’ll look at you like you’re stupid” video – 700,000 views – can’t go to her church anymore. He recognizes his actions affect the lives of his friends and family in a conservative Tennessee town – an attitude a lot of celebrities could take a hint from.

Being the “Queen of Ghetto” wouldn’t be an easy life for anyone, let alone a young person with a conservative family in the South. It’s actually quite an accomplishment to have reached this level of recognition with his own personal values and sense of self intact – with help from the World Wide Web, of course.

But even as his popularity soars, whether it is the result of support, criticism or lewd jokes, the impact he’s having on his watchers is tremendous. One only has to watch the clip from Fox News that shows the commentators laughing at his makeup to sense impending problems.

Although it seems ridiculous on my part, it’s only more so when one considers the amount of negativity videos and personalities like Crocker’s receive. Yes, he’s young, he’s one person, and he doesn’t represent any people or groups of people – but has that ever stopped the crazies before?

It’s true – when people don’t like you, they’ll use anything they can get their hands on to oppose you and your beliefs. Regardless of if you have all your rights in this country, whatever you mess up on or state out loud can be used against principles you care about.

What I’m talking about is gay rights, of course. This is the reason that a reality show is a bad idea for people like Crocker (a stage name, by the way): People will idiotically use your personality as a reason to disrespect those you’re associated with, even if it’s only by sexual orientation.

Hell, more relevant connections have ended up under scrutiny because of this, as well. As most of the civilized world has expressed their belief in stereotypes, different groups have been thwarted in their pursuit of happiness because of one person who messed it up for everyone. Not that they actually do, of course, but it sure makes great ammunition.

If you need examples, you only need to look at the current attitude toward Muslims in this country (thanks, Osama), athletes (thanks, Kobe and Barry), and probably most people with any kind of interpersonal problems (thanks, Jerry, Sally Jesse, Maury, et al).

What the world needs to realize is that people are varied and exclusive to themselves. When presenting a cause or opinion, people are not carbon copies of a mission statement, but a singular belief system within themselves, composed of thoughts and experiences. It’s not only unfair to ignore this fact, it’s pretty stupid not to consider it.

Unfortunately, this train of thought and association may never cease – and while it’s fine to be and express who you are, why put yourself out there when you get more negative than positive response? Sorry, Chris – if you’re trying to make the world a better place, you should probably stay on YouTube. It’s so much easier for everyone to make you a joke, instead of what you really are: a person.

Luci Van Scoy is a junior in anthropology from Newton.