In today’s world, where social media often becomes a platform for negativity, the story of Melissa Blake stands out as a beacon of positivity and strength.
Melissa, a writer, faced harsh criticism and bullying online. This unfortunate situation arose after she wrote an article for CNN in 2019. Following the publication of her article, a YouTuber shared her photo, leading to an onslaught of negative comments about her appearance.
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Melissa, who lives with Freeman Sheldon syndrome, a condition affecting her face, hands, and feet, was subjected to cruel taunts and comparisons.
However, Melissa chose not to let these hurtful comments bring her down. In a remarkable response, she posted a tweet that read:
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“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 act of defiance and self-acceptance gained widespread support online.
But Melissa didn’t stop there. She embarked on a journey to post a selfie every day for a year. This initiative was not only about self-expression but also about challenging societal perceptions of disability.
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
Her Instagram following skyrocketed from 7,500 to over 100,000, as she continued to share her life and thoughts, each selfie a testament to her vibrant personality and her life’s fullness.
Refinery29 quoted Melissa saying, Each selfie truly reflected my personality and who I was. Each was a celebration, and each carried a message.” She aimed to redefine the narrative around disability, emphasizing that disabled individuals lead rich, fulfilling lives.
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
Melissa’s story is more than just about overcoming bullying; it’s a powerful message of resilience, self-love, and the need to redefine societal standards of beauty and normality.
Her courage in the face of adversity is truly inspiring, reminding us that beauty is far more than skin deep. As we share Melissa’s story, we also hope for a future where bullying is a thing of the past, and people like Melissa are celebrated for their strength and character.
