The anger and polarization that is often shown on social media makes it a pressure for many to take risks, keeping alert for its unpredictable accumulation and bilised response. However, a 95-year-old Cheshire woman and her soft toy collection have become unlikely stars who encourage the trend of commenting on kindness.
Brenda Allen said she was shocked by her response to the recent Tiktok video, where she talked about her quirky jelly character. Encouraged by her nursing home staff, she first showed the audience a hated avocado named Florence. Her tug also features a lovely pot plant and a pumpkin, a painful smile au chocolat.
Her breakthrough video shows off her talent for comedy and ends up observing her Mushroom Teddy is a “very fun person.”
Now, her videos have accumulated over 2 million views on the site, as well as comments from thousands of people around the world, asking if they can adopt her as a social media grandma and call her a national treasure.
She has since been collected by Jellycat and John Lewis, and her video has been reposted by Love Island contestants. The only negative emotions come from her partner Toto, who isn’t too passionate about her cute blue tits and Robin.
“[The avocado] Brenda said: “It’s the only person I’ve been in a long time and some people have given me more stuff. But, suddenly, something in the media suddenly, I’m getting ringed and I want to give me the toys and everything. It’s incredible.
“A girl asked me to do a video. I really don’t know what it’s for. She just said I would do a video about a jelly cat for her? So I said yes, it’s gone from there. It went crazy. I have some cute information. Everyone thought I had a good voice and obviously a good voice.”
One of her majestic nursing home staff released the first video. It cites the recent “You’d better get better in your comments” trend, which has gained momentum as users search for more wholesome content on their timelines.
It started in the United States, and creator @yearningyardis posted a video about her boyfriend talking about his potted plants. She told the audience in a ridiculously threatening way that they would better “say something nice” to him. This prompted others to make videos about the often quirky hobbies of friends and family. One even contains a series of tractor manuals.
Celebrities including Ants and DEC were also involved. Their video features DEC showcases Ant’s artwork, commanding the commentator to be friendly.
Brenda’s daughter Julie said the family was “blown away” by her newfound reputation. “We don’t know much about it, but it’s great and lovely,” she said. “What shocked me was how cute everyone was. I don’t think I’ve ever seen all the comments being positive.”
Residents of nursing homes have asked residents who went to the local garden center because her infamous news has spread whether they know Brenda. She now plans to auction her jelly toys and donate proceeds to local children’s hospice.
But, understandably, Brenda was satisfied with the Internet fame for only a short period of time. “I don’t want to keep it for too long,” she said. “I’m 95, you know.”
