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Teen in Fall Out Boy shirt 'protecting' Ferguson cops quickly becomes meme

'I would rather get hit by something than let it hit them'

Justin Carissimo
Tuesday 11 August 2015 21:38 EDT
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19-year-old Lexi protects storm troopers of the Galactic Empire.
19-year-old Lexi protects storm troopers of the Galactic Empire. (David Carson/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/@MikeMulloy/Twitter)

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Never underestimate the power of an image.

This particular image was posted to Twitter by Lynden Steele, the St Louis Post-Dispatch’s Director of Photography, showing 19-year-old Fall Out Boy fan Lexi “protecting” cops from a peaceful protest.

"I would rather get hit by something than let it hit them,” she said.

Fortunately, the young girl was safe. Fortunately for the Internet-goers who recognise the irony of the situation — a white teen “standing up” for the 92% Caucasian-staffed police force who was criticised by the Department of Justice for unlawful racial bias against African-Americans in traffic stops, warrants issued, use of force, harassment and many other troubling offenses outlined in the 2014 Ferguson Police Department — a meme was born.

The Internet chose the teen to guard other aspects of popular culture including: New York Jets Quarterback Gino Smith, Lord Voldemort’s army and more.

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