Over the course of the past few years, cyberbullying has been garnering more attention as people are learning about the unconventional form of bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Unfortunately, with more of our lives entering the electronic world, cyberbullying is becoming increasingly more prevalent. The psychological outcomes of cyberbullying are similar to that of real-life bullying, and the victims are equally at risk of depression and suicide.
It is in this context that one can see the horror and inspiration in the story of Lizzie Velásquez -- the woman the Internet dubbed the “world’s ugliest woman” but in reality, can undoubtedly be called one of the most beautiful women in the world. The 24-year-old Texas native was only a student in high school when she stumbled upon a YouTube video of herself with millions of views that was titled “World’s Ugliest Woman.”
But instead of turning hatred into more hate -- which would not be an unfair response to her situation -- Velásquez did something that can serve as inspiration to many: she took the high road and fought hatred with kindness. A motivational speaker, Velásquez gave a TEDX talk in Austin last month where she explained how she managed to not let cyberbullies define who she was.
“I kind of started realizing that my life is in my hands,” explained Velásquez of her response to the YouTube video, which had thousands of hateful comments. “I could either choose to make this really good or I can choose to make this really bad. I could be grateful and open my eyes and realize the things I do have, and make those the things that define me. I can’t see out of one eye but I can see out of the other. I might get sick a lot, but I have really nice hair.”
What Velásquez’s bullies may or may not have known (and ultimately, it should not have made a difference) is that she is one of three known people in the world that suffer from a rare condition that experts believe is a form of Neonatal Progeroid Syndrome. Due to the rare syndrome, which manifests itself with accelerated aging and fat loss from the face and body, Velásquez is left blind in her right eye and cannot gain weight.
Her takeaway message? “My life was put into my hands, just like your lives are put into yours. You are the person in the front seat of your car. You are the one who decides if your car goes down a bad bath or a good path. You are the one who decides what defines you.”
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