We can all agree that bullying is one of the most heinous features of our society.
Although discrimination against someone based on anything as insignificant as appearance is a really reprehensible act, social media has regrettably provided a forum for people to be cruel to one another while enjoying a certain amount of anonymity.
Melissa Blake is well aware of this. Online bullies informed the writer that she was “too ugly” to share pictures of herself.
The remarks, which followed an essay Melissa wrote for CNN in 2019, were obviously hurtful.
Hundreds of people attacked her appearance after a YouTuber posted a picture of her when the story went public.
Among other things, Melissa, who has Freeman Sheldon syndrome, which is marked by deformities of the hands and feet as well as anomalies of the head and face, was called a “blob fish” and a “whale.”
But instead of allowing the cruel trolls to drive her into despair, she made the decision to stand up in a very unique way.
“During the last round of trollgate, people said that I should be banned from posting photos of myself because I’m too ugly,” Melissa wrote in a post on Twitter. I thus want to use these three selfies to mark the event.
Online, one particular message went viral, and many rushed to Melissa’s support. But the author wasn’t done yet. No, Melissa posted a selfie every day for a year after being advised that she should be “banned” for taking them since she was so ugly.
Her Instagram following has increased from 7,500 to 100,000 as a result. In addition to the daily photos she shared, Melissa, 39, also talked about issues like impairments.According to Refinery29, she stated:
One thing united them all: Every selfie accurately captured my essence and identity. Each sent a message and was a celebration.
It’s a means of reclaiming my authority and presenting a more truthful image of disability, she added. Because of the one we currently possess? There are many myths that portray disabled people as social drains, and it’s more 1950 than 2020. Instead, we live complete lives, and I’m really glad that I was able to demonstrate that for a whole year.
I don’t know about you, but I’m incredibly proud of Melissa for her bravery in standing up to the disgusting trolls who tried to discredit her for a cheap chuckle.
Furthermore, her courage was rewarded with hundreds of online comments from complete strangers who wanted to express their sympathy for her situation!
Melissa I’m not sure if you will ever read this, but if you do, I would like to express my gratitude. I appreciate you encouraging people to disregard bullies who have no higher purpose than to denigrate others. We appreciate you demonstrating to us that appearances are really superficial. I appreciate you being who you are!
If you’re praying for a world free from bullying and you’re proud of Melissa, please share this article.
