Younger kids growing up with the comment wars of the internet have had to develop some thick skin at an early age, in order to stand up to those who criticize while hidden behind a keyboard.
This Is Us’s Lonnie Chavis, who plays the younger version of Sterling K. Brown’s character Randall, has been mocked on the internet for the (adorable!) gap between his two front teeth. The 10-year-old actor posted a video to Instagram the other day responding to his haters in a very mature way. “Braces can fix this, but can you fix your heart, though?” Chavis said, addressing the people who mock not only his appearance, but countless other people, children especially. “There are kids out here killing themselves because of all of your hating and trolling.”
It’s unbelievable that in this age of body positivity, people are still willing to make fun of others for such small features as a gap between their teeth. And children, at that—really!? You have nothing better to do?
Luckily, Chavis uses his notoriety and star power to advocate for other kids who are being bullied on the internet, giving them a voice of hope. “I can handle this, but kids who are out there watching this… be who you want to be.”
Chavis has already received a lot of praise for his message of hope. Former NFL star and TV personality Michael Strahan (who also famously sports a gap) tweeted his support to the young actor, in an adorable interaction.
@lonniechavis you are an inspiration my man! You make me proud to rock my gap and your message is exactly on point. Embrace your uniqueness and live your life with happiness! No one is perfect and who really wants to be. #rolemodel ???? pic.twitter.com/uwiwlfJkvg
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) June 26, 2018
It’s heartening to see that younger internet users have role models like Lonnie Chavis willing to spread positivity in the face of online bullying.
Fix your heart, people!