Advertisement
Dublin: 9 °C Friday 29 March, 2024
all human

This woman has spoken out after discovering her photo was used for a mean meme

“No matter what we look like or what size we are, we are all human.”

THERE ARE HUNDREDS of thousands of pictures and memes shared on Facebook every day, a lot of them calling upon you to ‘tag a friend’ for a laugh. This woman is asking us to be a bit more mindful of the people behind these memes.

Film-Lizzie Velasquez AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Lizzie Velasquez was born with a rare congenital disease that prevents her from accumulating body fat, and is blind in her right eye.

Ten years ago, when Velasquez was 17, a YouTube video cruelly branded her the ‘world’s ugliest woman’ – since then, she has spoken out against bullying, even delivering a TED talk on the subject (which is a great listen).

On Sunday, she saw that someone had made a crude meme using a picture of her and posted it on Facebook:

15492252_10155293870421754_2972230909441489909_n Facebook / Lizzie Velasquez Facebook / Lizzie Velasquez / Lizzie Velasquez

In a post responding to the image, she wrote that it’s important to understand that the people behind these kinds of memes are human too.

I’ve seen a ton of memes like this all over Facebook recently. I’m writing this post not as someone who is a victim but as someone who is using their voice… No matter what we look like or what size we are, we are all human.
I ask that you keep that in mind the next time you see a viral meme of a random stranger. At the time you might find it hilarious, but the human in the photo is probably feeling the exact opposite. Spread love not hurtful words via a screen.

Mexico Lizzie Velazquez AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

Velasquez’s post has been shared over 87,000 times, leading to the meme being removed – she’s been praised for highlighting the issue:

I’m not innocent in these memes, but I will no longer participate in these memes. I got angry when I saw you on this.
I’m sorry this happened to you, but thank you for speaking out and informing people that this is cyber bullying. Please continue to smile because your motivating words inspire more people than you know.

DailyEdge is on Snapchat! Tap the button below to add!

These Westmeath GAA players fed the homeless on Grafton Street last night>

Your Voice
Readers Comments
4
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.