Ralph Pootawn, whose real name is Ian, became an internet sensation due to a high school photo depicting him standing stiffly in a blue shirt and khaki shorts. First gaining traction on Tumblr and Twitter around 2011, the image captures a uniquely awkward or uncanny energy that resonates with social anxiety and NPC-like behavior. His blank stare and rigid posture make him the perfect visual metaphor for being out of place or waiting impatiently in an uncomfortable situation. Over the years, Ralph has been photoshopped into various surreal backgrounds, cementing his status as a legendary figure in the realm of weird and deadpan internet culture.