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Trolls Tell Woman She’s ‘Too Ugly’ To Be Posting Pics Of Her Face, She Responds By Posting Selfies For A Year
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Trolls Tell Woman She’s ‘Too Ugly’ To Be Posting Pics Of Her Face, She Responds By Posting Selfies For A Year

Woman Who Was Previously Told To Stop Posting Selfies Because She’s ‘Too Ugly’ Shares One A Day For A Whole YearPeople Tell This Woman With A Bone Condition Not To Post Pics Of Her Face, She Responds With One Selfie A Day For A YearTrolls Tell Woman She's 'Too Ugly' To Be Posting Pics Of Her Face, She Responds By Posting Selfies For A YearWoman Has Been Posting Selfies For A Year To Defy Haters Who Told Her 'She's Too Ugly' To Post Her PhotosWoman Who Was Told She's 'Too Ugly' To Post Photos Of Her Face Shares A Selfie Every Day For A YearWoman Who Was Told She's 'Too Ugly' For Selfies Posts A Pic Every Day For A YearWoman Who Was Told She's 'Too Ugly' Celebrates Herself By Posting A Selfie Every Day For A YearWoman Who Was Told That She Is 'Too Ugly' To Share Selfies Claps Back At Trolls By Posting A Selfie Every Day For A YearTrolls Tell This Woman That She's 'Too Ugly' To Share Pics Of Herself Online, She Fights Back By Posting Selfies For A YearWoman With Rare Genetic Disorder Posts Selfies Every Day For A Year After Bullies Tell Her She's 'Too Ugly' To Post Her Pics
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Last year, Melissa Blake wrote an anti-Trump op-ed piece for CNN and became a subject of cruel online trolling. People called her names like “blobfish” and “whale,” and others went as far as saying that she should be banned from posting photos of herself because she’s too ugly.

The 39-old journalist from Illinois, who suffers from a rare disorder called Freeman-Sheldon syndrome, which is characterized by joint deformities and abnormalities of the head and face, responded in the most badass way possible. Melissa started sharing selfies on social media and has kept it up every single day for a year now.

“I suppose it’s become something of a ritual—one that has brought me comfort and happiness, not to mention taught me plenty of lessons,” she wrote in an essay for Refinery29. Throughout the 366 days sharing selfies, from serious to playful, but all very genuine, Melissa became the biggest inspiration and voice for the disabled community. Not only has she defied trolls, she has also proven that her selfies are her story.

More info: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | MelissaBlakeBlog.com

Melissa is a 39-year-old writer and disability activist with the rare Freeman-Sheldon syndrome

Image credits: melissablake81

But back in 2019, she wrote an op-ed against Trump and received cruel backlash

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Image credits: melissablake

Trolls wouldn’t stop mocking Melissa’s appearance and calling her names

Melissa responded by making an inspirational statement

Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake81

In an essay Melissa wrote about her year spent posting selfies, she said that it became quite a ritual. Every night before falling asleep, she’d scroll through her selfie gallery and pick one pic to upload on her social media.

Every selfie was tracked with the hashtag #MyBestSelfie and was accompanied by a text where Melissa would talk about her disability, daily routine, ups and downs, and whatever came to her mind that day.

“With each selfie, I felt more comfortable in my own body and discovered a freedom I’d never really felt before as a disabled woman.”

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And sharing a selfie every single day for a year that she dedicated to all the disabled peopleout there

Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake

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Melissa became one of the greatest inspirators on social media, proving nothing is impossible

Image credits: melissablake81

For a woman like Melissa who grew up feeling and looking different from people her age, each click of her iPhone felt like “I was able to have a conversation with my younger self, telling her all the things I wish I had known back when I was a teenager.”

Her #MyBestSelfie initiative became a 366-day journey into self-healing. “So much of our culture is shaped and dictated by beauty standards—what is considered beautiful, who is considered beautiful, even the fact that beauty is valued in the first place.”

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Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake81

Because our society tells disabled people that they fall out of lines of beauty standards, it was extremely hard for Melissa. But she soon realized she wasn’t the only one.

“I may have started this year of selfies for myself, but I soon realized that these selfies weren’t just about me. Other disabled people told me they identified with my words, too, and they began posting selfies of their own,” she wrote.

Image credits: melissablake81

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Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake81

Melissa managed to gather the disabled community to take “our rightful place at society’s table.” The woman dedicated her selfies to every disabled person who continues to fight their way into our societies.

“We can do little things, like sharing our experiences through photos, and still have a huge impact on the world around us. My selfies are my story,” she concluded in a beautiful piece.

Image credits: melissablake81

Throughout the 366 days of self-discovery, Melissa has been actively posting on social media, wrote essays, and even modeled for New York Fashion Week

Image credits: melissablake81

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Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake81

Image credits: melissablake81

And this is what people had to say

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Liucija Adomaite

Liucija Adomaite

Writer, Community member

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Liucija Adomaite is a creative mind with years of experience in copywriting. She has a dynamic set of experiences from advertising, academia, and journalism. This time, she has set out on a journey to investigate the ways in which we communicate ideas on a large scale. Her current mission is to find a magic formula for how to make ideas, news, and other such things spread like a virus.

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Liucija Adomaite

Liucija Adomaite

Writer, Community member

Liucija Adomaite is a creative mind with years of experience in copywriting. She has a dynamic set of experiences from advertising, academia, and journalism. This time, she has set out on a journey to investigate the ways in which we communicate ideas on a large scale. Her current mission is to find a magic formula for how to make ideas, news, and other such things spread like a virus.

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

Read more »

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

Read less »

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Ilona Baliūnaitė

Author, BoredPanda staff

I'm a Visual Editor at Bored Panda since 2017. I've searched through a multitude of images to create over 2000 diverse posts on a wide range of topics. I love memes, funny, and cute stuff, but I'm also into social issues topics. Despite my background in communication, my heart belongs to visual media, especially photography. When I'm not at my desk, you're likely to find me in the streets with my camera, checking out cool exhibitions, watching a movie at the cinema or just chilling with a coffee in a cozy place

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, some people are so cruel and nasty. I am disgusted to see a couple of comments on here. What if this was your child, mother, sister, friend etc? Would you be so cruel or would you like seeing others being so heartless. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Good on Melissa Blake on doing this, she should be proud of standing up for herself. The haters are just sad, pathetic losers with nothing better to do.

Aria Whitaker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bored Panda, WHY is the troll Rokas still allowed to post here with his racial slurs and hate? I have seen comments taken down that were WAY less harmful than his....

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Steve Barnett
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HI Melissa Blake. Firstly, you are not ugly. Secondly. YOU. ARE. NOT. UGLY. However, Trolls are; They’re pathetic individuals that struggle with their own inadequacies. I never respond to their spiteful comments because that’s what they want. The best thing is to just ignore them and let them wallow in their own defecation of putrid thoughts.

Tina Hugh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s an inspiration. It’s a shame people can be so stupid. There’s something wrong with them.

Ami Temi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry. Because of anger and frustration for the haters, because of the hurtful, demeaning comments in the article and in the reactions here from shallow, empty people. Well, what else could we expect from the gang of the orange covidiot? I also cried because I'm moved by this beautiful woman, her courage, her soul and intelligence. There are many kinds of beauty and Melissa is beautiful in so many ways. Her smile and wit will win every time. You go, girl!

True Blue
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is beauty she is grace she is the role model we all f**king need

Lora Mad
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh, she has such a lovely warm face and expression! She's just like a lovely character that came out of a lovely children's book! Looking at her makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Stille20
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you take it upon yourself to say someone is unattractive!?.... just why. Good for her for not crumbing or hiding.

KatHat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Melissa Blake is fabulous and funny and well worth a Twitter follow. And author of this piece? Please don't use the word "suffer" about people's conditions, unless they do. This is ableism. Melissa doesn't look "suffering" to me and nowhere have I seen her describe herself that way. Please respect her as a person and use the language she uses about herself. Thank you :)

Beans
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read an article by this lady a long time ago and I looked her up and read her blog about her life and struggles with being bullied online. How sad to read that last year she's getting still getting bullied and worse? People are so awful. This lady is an inspiration. Good on her for putting herself out there proudly.

Molly Block
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just found her on Twitter and now I'm following her. Forever. This is one strong woman, folks!

Pandana
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shes beautiful and adorable and if you say otherwise you will die.

Oof Me
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she is! and @Fast Pony, @bungalowwil, and those other trolls on Twitter are complete idiots and jerks

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PhantomBuni
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I FREAKING LOVE HER HAIR AHHHHHHH. Honey, you get it girl. I don’t swear a lot, but you’re totally worth it. You are so damn gorgeous and you matter, and you have a heart, so you have more than they will ever have. Keep being you, you fantastic you!!!!

Go Hawks
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where do these vermin come from, these people who judge so evilly on people's appearances? Like, when did looks trump standards completely? Bless Melissa Blake and all like her! What are perfect looks anyway, geez....

Mary Jane Love
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These vermin flock the to internet. It’s the only way they get to feed their narcissistic or sadistic needs without owning any of the consequences. Cowards, frankly.

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deanna woods
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman is not ugly at all, she's an inspiration and the trolls need to shut up. To everyone who reads this:NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I hope that brightens someone's day.

Mark Serbian
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's an awesome smile, there! And a super amazing heart, too!

Savita Belle Thorpe
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are beautiful just the way you are. Don’t listen to those horrible human beings. I can’t even call them that, they aren’t civilized enough to even be a homo sapien. Don’t even want to say animal. I love animals, and it would be cruel to the animals to be grouped up with those monsters.

Dio
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is so cute! I just want to hug her!! It made me tear up knowing people can be so horrible for no reason, but she dealt with it so well and is raising a very important point, that people like her need to be seen and accepted and not be shamed into the background. She is a very brave soul. <3

Laura Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do believe I have found a new heroine. I think a little dose of Melissa Blake will fit quite nicely on my internal bookshelf of people I admire most. I think I'll put her right next to RBG in the "Reference This When You Need A Reminder Of What's Important" section!

k1ddkanuck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman's spirit, beauty and soul makes my heart ache. What a badass, amazing woman. Please come to Toronto and let me wine and dine you!!!

joe smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girl! You accomplished in your life more, then I and many others ever will. Cudos to you and f**k the haters. You are marvelous!!!, ❤️❤️❤️

Lydia Coy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She got a sweet face 😄 i got this too and shes inspiring soo whoop

RavenclawQueen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for you, Melissa Blake, standing up for yourself and other people with disabilities. You go, girl!

Astrid Nineor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-online-secrets/201409/internet-trolls-are-narcissists-psychopaths-and-sadists

Opal4eva
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s amazing for doing this I remember being like this at school they said I was a nerd cuz I have glasses and braces every.single.day I allways shoves my face in them and when they said that I just promptly replied with I don’t care about your opinions it’s about the people that I care about opinions that I mind and THNAK YOU SO Much your so pretty and you should never feel ashamed of that

Ellie Paynter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MELISSA! You are one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I've ever come across! This post made me cry. Honey I don't UNDERSTAND why people are so dad-blame mean! I'm sorry you had to hear those ridiculous and INSECURE statements from those insecure people, I feel sorry for them. But you!! You my girl, I am astounded at your bravery, your ability to face those wretched mean words and fight back!! All I gotta say is GO YOU! Gosh I'm literally crying. I could never be that brave. And did I say you were astoundingly beautiful? I did, haha I know I did, but you ARE! I wanna be your friend. My name is Ellie Paynter on FB from Middlesboro Kentucky or Clinton Tennessee....I'm so computer illiterate I'm not sure what I put on there. pLLEASE FRIEND

Ximena Aldana
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love her eyes, her smile, her hair color. If somebody has a problem with her, surely has to deal with them selves, and their own demons must be a legion

Happy_Pandalover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

honestly, she looks very different. but that doesn’t matter. i think she looks so cute, especially in the picture where you can see her on her vehicle. i also love her facial expression, so friendly and warm ☺️. i hope she‘ll post more photos in the future

Denise Melek
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she should do a freakin glamour-photoshoot, just to annoy those assholes. what the f**k is wrong with people?

Jungkook Hbdhgs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn’t like people called and threatened to why is people thinks ugly is because of disabled or illness.

semelina pitrone
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how happy she looks in all of these! no matter what people say about you: if you are happy, it shines through past all the hate. beauty comes when you are happy. happiness comes first.

Steve Cruz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GO GIRL, GO! I will probably never be asked to model; I despise Donald Trump for factual reasons; I support accessibility, compassion and empathy; and I wear a mask because I'm part of a community who care about each other. I STAND WITH MELISSA!

Kateryna
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they start attacking how you look, you know they can't argue with the points you gave. And that's when you know you won. You are beautiful, and I love how you are so happy in those pictures!

Louloubelle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know some absolutely stunning women that I wouldn't give the time of day. They have ugly soles and small minds. I would much rather hang with someone like Melissa who seems wicked funny. Now that's entertaining.

Random Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awwwww this is great! im glad she didnt let those trolls get to her. Look at her lil' shoes!!!

Jane Doh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Humanity is trash for the most part. Disabled people are some of the most resilient & kind. If only those with outer beauty would learn from them, this world might not suck so much. But "pretty" people get by on their looks and don't develop empathy or other positive traits and often become downright assholes, resulting in the hateful behavior we see here. Her spelling and grammar is also 100x better than those who insult her so there's something to be said for that.

Anastasia Darmos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved this! Morality start at home. Parents of the next generation need to focus on this and governments need to focus more on education. People need to flex their brains with knowledge (and I don’t mean Google). Maybe then they’ll have something of value to say.

sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Mellissa, I recall your post last year, amazing how many morons, think they are better than others, it usually means they have low self esteem, you have a career, you are strong, a good person, who was dealt with a terrible disease, " But for the grace of God, go I " a thought for some ! Wishing you, a life that only gets better !!!

Katherine Forrestall
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am sorry that some people havr been so rude. You are a kind, smart lady, doing some very good work. Keep in mind not everyone is cruel. Ignorance abounds, but you are a sterlng example of those who can help spread understanding and kindness.

Phil Bowerman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good on you Melissa. Glad you aren't paying to the littledick trolls.

Caroline Overill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only beauty that really counts is on the inside. Sadly there are relatively few humans who are beautiful on the inside and those that are get judged by what they look like.

Katinka Min
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She has an obvious handicap and thus a face that doesn't look 'normal'. She also is radiating brightness and warmth and strength. She looks a lot better than some of those heavily edited instagramm influencers, I've seen and very much like a person I'd love to meet.

Si
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men harassing women for being what they deem to be unattractive is the flip side of men harassing women they deem to be attractive. It’s all self-entitled bullying of women.

Si
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Keri O'Donnell
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Ellie Paynter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please friend me! Ellie Paynter on FB. You are the BOMB girlfriend!

Kaisa Koo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are so blind to see deeper. They see a face and all brain activity stops there. It's so hard to change that kind of shallowness, withouth it we would have much less racism for example. That is when eyes of a heart are closed.

Naveen Mysore
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved it! Since the names of those who trolled is available, time to shame and bullies?! Bullies should not be allowed to get away with it.

Happy_Pandalover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how you stand up for Melissa. But i don't think shaming bullies by doing the same proves any point.

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Emy Loves
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This Melissa woman is phenomenal!!! I truly admire her strength, beauty and confidence. Whoever is being bullied or made fun of out there, take Melissa's attitude as a perfect example and work on developing the same one for yourselves. Be you. Love you. And don't let ANYONE take yourself away from you. There are always going to be bullies and those who are straight up heartless but don't let them get to your spirit because that's want they want. They want to hurt people. So don't let them win! I cried when I read this story but then I smiled at how lovely this women is and wished more people had her kind of heart.

Si
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And men think women are bitchier to other women than they are.

Shopper East
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

WARNING Non-PC truth ahead! ... Childish attacks. Childish response. Understandable enough, but it's breaking the number one common-sense rule ... "Don't feed the trolls". It'also a waste of precious time to continue to feed them for a year! If feeding them was a MUST ... a short quick "Go f**k yourself" would have sufficed and then move on with your life. I expect people with the emotional maturity of an eight year old will disagree with me though. lol

Ingrid Vestal
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Great story! Lousy article! It's a shame that, as is normal for Bored Panda, they had to make this political. That she was writing an "anti-Trump op-ed" has nothing to do with the story. It was clearly just an attempt to make Republicans look bad. I've seen this kind of despicable behavior on both sides - the Right does not have a monopoly on insensitivity and outright meanness.

pmcm
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I sympathize with her condition and all, but why did she have to criticize Trump? she, of all people, should not be criticizing anyone.

Russian Otaku
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

Comments are all libtards here it seems but no surprise

Edo Alva
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

I'm okay with it but I have to admit bunch of people will freak out when seeing her. Disabled people is one group of people who fight such a lonely battle.

Pamela24
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand how someone can be bothered by a woman posting pictures of herself. How does that affect you, really? She's not hurting anyone, she's not doing anything offensive. Let people live their lives.

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Foxxy (The Original)
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wow, some people are so cruel and nasty. I am disgusted to see a couple of comments on here. What if this was your child, mother, sister, friend etc? Would you be so cruel or would you like seeing others being so heartless. You should be ashamed of yourselves. Good on Melissa Blake on doing this, she should be proud of standing up for herself. The haters are just sad, pathetic losers with nothing better to do.

Aria Whitaker
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Bored Panda, WHY is the troll Rokas still allowed to post here with his racial slurs and hate? I have seen comments taken down that were WAY less harmful than his....

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Steve Barnett
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

HI Melissa Blake. Firstly, you are not ugly. Secondly. YOU. ARE. NOT. UGLY. However, Trolls are; They’re pathetic individuals that struggle with their own inadequacies. I never respond to their spiteful comments because that’s what they want. The best thing is to just ignore them and let them wallow in their own defecation of putrid thoughts.

Tina Hugh
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s an inspiration. It’s a shame people can be so stupid. There’s something wrong with them.

Ami Temi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cry. Because of anger and frustration for the haters, because of the hurtful, demeaning comments in the article and in the reactions here from shallow, empty people. Well, what else could we expect from the gang of the orange covidiot? I also cried because I'm moved by this beautiful woman, her courage, her soul and intelligence. There are many kinds of beauty and Melissa is beautiful in so many ways. Her smile and wit will win every time. You go, girl!

True Blue
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is beauty she is grace she is the role model we all f**king need

Lora Mad
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ooh, she has such a lovely warm face and expression! She's just like a lovely character that came out of a lovely children's book! Looking at her makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside!

Stille20
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why would you take it upon yourself to say someone is unattractive!?.... just why. Good for her for not crumbing or hiding.

KatHat
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Melissa Blake is fabulous and funny and well worth a Twitter follow. And author of this piece? Please don't use the word "suffer" about people's conditions, unless they do. This is ableism. Melissa doesn't look "suffering" to me and nowhere have I seen her describe herself that way. Please respect her as a person and use the language she uses about herself. Thank you :)

Beans
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I read an article by this lady a long time ago and I looked her up and read her blog about her life and struggles with being bullied online. How sad to read that last year she's getting still getting bullied and worse? People are so awful. This lady is an inspiration. Good on her for putting herself out there proudly.

Molly Block
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I just found her on Twitter and now I'm following her. Forever. This is one strong woman, folks!

Pandana
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Shes beautiful and adorable and if you say otherwise you will die.

Oof Me
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she is! and @Fast Pony, @bungalowwil, and those other trolls on Twitter are complete idiots and jerks

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PhantomBuni
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMG I FREAKING LOVE HER HAIR AHHHHHHH. Honey, you get it girl. I don’t swear a lot, but you’re totally worth it. You are so damn gorgeous and you matter, and you have a heart, so you have more than they will ever have. Keep being you, you fantastic you!!!!

Go Hawks
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Where do these vermin come from, these people who judge so evilly on people's appearances? Like, when did looks trump standards completely? Bless Melissa Blake and all like her! What are perfect looks anyway, geez....

Mary Jane Love
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These vermin flock the to internet. It’s the only way they get to feed their narcissistic or sadistic needs without owning any of the consequences. Cowards, frankly.

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deanna woods
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman is not ugly at all, she's an inspiration and the trolls need to shut up. To everyone who reads this:NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. I hope that brightens someone's day.

Mark Serbian
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's an awesome smile, there! And a super amazing heart, too!

Savita Belle Thorpe
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are beautiful just the way you are. Don’t listen to those horrible human beings. I can’t even call them that, they aren’t civilized enough to even be a homo sapien. Don’t even want to say animal. I love animals, and it would be cruel to the animals to be grouped up with those monsters.

Dio
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is so cute! I just want to hug her!! It made me tear up knowing people can be so horrible for no reason, but she dealt with it so well and is raising a very important point, that people like her need to be seen and accepted and not be shamed into the background. She is a very brave soul. <3

Laura Smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do believe I have found a new heroine. I think a little dose of Melissa Blake will fit quite nicely on my internal bookshelf of people I admire most. I think I'll put her right next to RBG in the "Reference This When You Need A Reminder Of What's Important" section!

k1ddkanuck
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This woman's spirit, beauty and soul makes my heart ache. What a badass, amazing woman. Please come to Toronto and let me wine and dine you!!!

joe smith
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Girl! You accomplished in your life more, then I and many others ever will. Cudos to you and f**k the haters. You are marvelous!!!, ❤️❤️❤️

Lydia Coy
Community Member
4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She got a sweet face 😄 i got this too and shes inspiring soo whoop

RavenclawQueen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good for you, Melissa Blake, standing up for yourself and other people with disabilities. You go, girl!

Astrid Nineor
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-online-secrets/201409/internet-trolls-are-narcissists-psychopaths-and-sadists

Opal4eva
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She’s amazing for doing this I remember being like this at school they said I was a nerd cuz I have glasses and braces every.single.day I allways shoves my face in them and when they said that I just promptly replied with I don’t care about your opinions it’s about the people that I care about opinions that I mind and THNAK YOU SO Much your so pretty and you should never feel ashamed of that

Ellie Paynter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

MELISSA! You are one of the most beautiful people, inside and out, that I've ever come across! This post made me cry. Honey I don't UNDERSTAND why people are so dad-blame mean! I'm sorry you had to hear those ridiculous and INSECURE statements from those insecure people, I feel sorry for them. But you!! You my girl, I am astounded at your bravery, your ability to face those wretched mean words and fight back!! All I gotta say is GO YOU! Gosh I'm literally crying. I could never be that brave. And did I say you were astoundingly beautiful? I did, haha I know I did, but you ARE! I wanna be your friend. My name is Ellie Paynter on FB from Middlesboro Kentucky or Clinton Tennessee....I'm so computer illiterate I'm not sure what I put on there. pLLEASE FRIEND

Ximena Aldana
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

love her eyes, her smile, her hair color. If somebody has a problem with her, surely has to deal with them selves, and their own demons must be a legion

Happy_Pandalover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

honestly, she looks very different. but that doesn’t matter. i think she looks so cute, especially in the picture where you can see her on her vehicle. i also love her facial expression, so friendly and warm ☺️. i hope she‘ll post more photos in the future

Denise Melek
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

she should do a freakin glamour-photoshoot, just to annoy those assholes. what the f**k is wrong with people?

Jungkook Hbdhgs
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I didn’t like people called and threatened to why is people thinks ugly is because of disabled or illness.

semelina pitrone
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love how happy she looks in all of these! no matter what people say about you: if you are happy, it shines through past all the hate. beauty comes when you are happy. happiness comes first.

Steve Cruz
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

GO GIRL, GO! I will probably never be asked to model; I despise Donald Trump for factual reasons; I support accessibility, compassion and empathy; and I wear a mask because I'm part of a community who care about each other. I STAND WITH MELISSA!

Kateryna
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When they start attacking how you look, you know they can't argue with the points you gave. And that's when you know you won. You are beautiful, and I love how you are so happy in those pictures!

Louloubelle
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know some absolutely stunning women that I wouldn't give the time of day. They have ugly soles and small minds. I would much rather hang with someone like Melissa who seems wicked funny. Now that's entertaining.

Random Guy
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Awwwww this is great! im glad she didnt let those trolls get to her. Look at her lil' shoes!!!

Jane Doh
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Humanity is trash for the most part. Disabled people are some of the most resilient & kind. If only those with outer beauty would learn from them, this world might not suck so much. But "pretty" people get by on their looks and don't develop empathy or other positive traits and often become downright assholes, resulting in the hateful behavior we see here. Her spelling and grammar is also 100x better than those who insult her so there's something to be said for that.

Anastasia Darmos
Community Member
3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved this! Morality start at home. Parents of the next generation need to focus on this and governments need to focus more on education. People need to flex their brains with knowledge (and I don’t mean Google). Maybe then they’ll have something of value to say.

sharron lynn parsons
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hi Mellissa, I recall your post last year, amazing how many morons, think they are better than others, it usually means they have low self esteem, you have a career, you are strong, a good person, who was dealt with a terrible disease, " But for the grace of God, go I " a thought for some ! Wishing you, a life that only gets better !!!

Katherine Forrestall
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I am sorry that some people havr been so rude. You are a kind, smart lady, doing some very good work. Keep in mind not everyone is cruel. Ignorance abounds, but you are a sterlng example of those who can help spread understanding and kindness.

Phil Bowerman
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Good on you Melissa. Glad you aren't paying to the littledick trolls.

Caroline Overill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The only beauty that really counts is on the inside. Sadly there are relatively few humans who are beautiful on the inside and those that are get judged by what they look like.

Katinka Min
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She has an obvious handicap and thus a face that doesn't look 'normal'. She also is radiating brightness and warmth and strength. She looks a lot better than some of those heavily edited instagramm influencers, I've seen and very much like a person I'd love to meet.

Si
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Men harassing women for being what they deem to be unattractive is the flip side of men harassing women they deem to be attractive. It’s all self-entitled bullying of women.

Si
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Keri O'Donnell
Community Member
4 years ago

This comment has been deleted.

Ellie Paynter
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Please friend me! Ellie Paynter on FB. You are the BOMB girlfriend!

Kaisa Koo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People are so blind to see deeper. They see a face and all brain activity stops there. It's so hard to change that kind of shallowness, withouth it we would have much less racism for example. That is when eyes of a heart are closed.

Naveen Mysore
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Loved it! Since the names of those who trolled is available, time to shame and bullies?! Bullies should not be allowed to get away with it.

Happy_Pandalover
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I like how you stand up for Melissa. But i don't think shaming bullies by doing the same proves any point.

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Emy Loves
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This Melissa woman is phenomenal!!! I truly admire her strength, beauty and confidence. Whoever is being bullied or made fun of out there, take Melissa's attitude as a perfect example and work on developing the same one for yourselves. Be you. Love you. And don't let ANYONE take yourself away from you. There are always going to be bullies and those who are straight up heartless but don't let them get to your spirit because that's want they want. They want to hurt people. So don't let them win! I cried when I read this story but then I smiled at how lovely this women is and wished more people had her kind of heart.

Si
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And men think women are bitchier to other women than they are.

Shopper East
Community Member
4 years ago (edited)

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WARNING Non-PC truth ahead! ... Childish attacks. Childish response. Understandable enough, but it's breaking the number one common-sense rule ... "Don't feed the trolls". It'also a waste of precious time to continue to feed them for a year! If feeding them was a MUST ... a short quick "Go f**k yourself" would have sufficed and then move on with your life. I expect people with the emotional maturity of an eight year old will disagree with me though. lol

Ingrid Vestal
Community Member
4 years ago

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Great story! Lousy article! It's a shame that, as is normal for Bored Panda, they had to make this political. That she was writing an "anti-Trump op-ed" has nothing to do with the story. It was clearly just an attempt to make Republicans look bad. I've seen this kind of despicable behavior on both sides - the Right does not have a monopoly on insensitivity and outright meanness.

pmcm
Community Member
4 years ago

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I sympathize with her condition and all, but why did she have to criticize Trump? she, of all people, should not be criticizing anyone.

Russian Otaku
Community Member
4 years ago

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Comments are all libtards here it seems but no surprise

Edo Alva
Community Member
4 years ago

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I'm okay with it but I have to admit bunch of people will freak out when seeing her. Disabled people is one group of people who fight such a lonely battle.

Pamela24
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I don't understand how someone can be bothered by a woman posting pictures of herself. How does that affect you, really? She's not hurting anyone, she's not doing anything offensive. Let people live their lives.

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