Bullying is undoubtedly one of the ugliest aspects of modern society, a sentiment shared by many. Prejudice based on something as trivial as appearance is abhorrent behavior. Regrettably, social media has provided a platform for individuals to express cruelty while hiding behind relative anonymity. Melissa Blake, a writer, experienced this firsthand when online trolls criticized her appearance, stating that she was “too ugly” to post photos of herself.
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Certainly, Melissa felt hurt by the comments, which surfaced after she wrote an article for CNN in 2019. Following the article’s publication, a YouTuber shared a photo of her, leading to hundreds of people attacking her appearance. Despite having Freeman Sheldon syndrome, a disorder marked by head and face abnormalities and defects in the hands and feet, she was cruelly labeled a ‘blob fish’ and a ‘whale,’ among other derogatory terms. Instead of succumbing to the hurtful trolls and potential depression, Melissa chose to take a stand in a truly remarkable manner.
Reminder that this is what it’s like to be a disabled woman writer on the internet AND #ThisIsAmerica in 2019: A conservative YouTuber mentioned my recent op-ed about #UnfollowTrump. The comments? I’m fat, ugly and look like a blob fish, a parade balloon and a potato with a face. pic.twitter.com/ROczIXKNom
— Melissa Blake (@melissablake) August 8, 2019
Melissa took to Twitter, posting: “During the last round of trollgate, people said that I should be banned from posting photos of myself because I’m too ugly. So I’d just like to commemorate the occasion with these 3 selfies…” This tweet gained significant attention online, with many rushing to Melissa’s defense. But Melissa didn’t stop there. After being told she was so ugly she should be “banned” from taking selfies, she went on to share a selfie every day for a year.
During the last round of trollgate, people said that I should be banned from posting photos of myself because I’m too ugly. So I’d just like to commemorate the occasion with these 3 selfies… 📸😉👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/9ZuSYFOtwv
— Melissa Blake (@melissablake) September 7, 2019
Consequently, her Instagram following has surged from 7,500 to 100,000. In addition to the daily images she shared, 39-year-old Melissa also delved into discussions on topics like disabilities. According to Refinery29, she expressed, “There was one thing they all had in common: Each selfie truly reflected my personality and who I was. Each was a celebration, and each carried a message.”
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Continuing her narrative, she expressed, “It’s a way of reclaiming my power and portraying a more accurate image of disability. The current portrayal is more 1950 than 2020 — rife with misconceptions that often depict disabled individuals as burdens on society. In reality, we lead fulfilling lives, and I’m proud that I could showcase that for an entire year.”
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I’m truly proud of Melissa for standing strong against hurtful trolls. Melissa, if you happen to read this, a big thank you! Thank you for inspiring others to ignore negativity and for showing that real beauty goes beyond appearances. Thanks for just being you!
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