'Ugliest Woman' Turns Cyberbullying Into Positivity Susmita Baral - The Latin Times
go to original January 14, 2014

In a time when beauty is defined by supermodels, success is defined by wealth, and fame is deified by how many followers you have on social media, Lizzie Velasquez asks the question how do you define yourself? Once labeled, "The Worlds Ugliest Woman," Lizzie decided to turn things around and create her own definitions of what she defines as beauty and happiness. (Lizzie Velasquez)

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.

Read the rest at The Latin Times

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