Sometimes the world may be a pretty cruel place.
Many people still experience ongoing bullying due of their appearance, despite the fact that we are taught that true beauty lies within and that we shouldn’t evaluate others based solely on their appearance.
Melissa Blake, a writer and journalist, is all too familiar with this reality. She continues to get hateful remarks from people who don’t like the way she looks, despite the fact that her insightful articles on pop culture, relationships, and disabilities have inspired and impacted people worldwide.
Melissa, 38, has endured being referred to as a “blob fish” and a “potato with a face.”
Thankfully, she has found a powerful way to counter her critics.
Melissa Blake syndrome
Melissa Blake was born with Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects the movement of chemicals between cells during development. She needs a wheelchair to go around and has had roughly 25 surgeries during her lifetime.
Freeman-Sheldon syndrome is frequently characterized by a characteristic facial appearance, such as a smaller, pursed lips and diminished nasal cartilage.
Unfortunately, Melissa’s unique characteristics have led to unpleasant internet harassment. On September 8, she posted on Twitter about her experiences with the offensive comments she had come across. One person called her a “blob fish,” while another called her a “potato.”
Refusing to be defeated by her tormentors
One commenter said she should be removed because she is “too ugly.”
“People often ask me why I’ve had such a hard time accepting the way I look and the standards of beauty that society has established. Comments like these make me feel ignored and undeserving,” Melissa remarked.
“This is just another instance of the ableism that people with disabilities encounter on a daily basis, and I’m always trying to change it.”
Melissa chose to disregard the criticism and posted even more in response to others who advised her to stop sharing photos.
In a recent round of trolling, a number of people claimed that I shouldn’t be permitted to share pictures of myself since I’m too ugly. I therefore want to mark this occasion with these three selfies.
There is little doubt that her response tweet had an impact. It has garnered 272,000 likes on Twitter, where many have commended Melissa’s bravery and moral strength.
And those who tried to discredit Melissa have failed horribly; her career is booming like never before!
Today’s culture does not tolerate bullying, and it saddens me to think of those who use computers to harass others while concealing their own inadequacies and anxieties.
Melissa Blake, you are an amazing example. We wish you success in all of your future endeavors.
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