Many bullies and unhappy individuals use the internet as a platform to verbally assault complete strangers. Even in modern times, some groups of individuals remain disproportionately at risk.
It appears that many people get a kick out of being malicious online, and this is no exception. The protagonist in this tale is able to stand up to her attackers because she has found her voice.
Jennifer Knapp Wilkinson was doing her regular shopping at Walmart when she tripped and fell. She attempted to grab herself on some adjacent shelves but had trouble doing so since she is confined to a scooter.
Despite being alone, Jennifer managed to get back on her feet. Jennifer would soon learn that she was not quite as alone as she had believed.
A stranger saw her fall, but instead of assisting her or making sure she was well, the stranger took a photo of the incident and posted it online.
Everyone who saw the post made fun of her for being overweight and for falling. Many people had an unexpectedly negative reaction, hurling insults and derogatory terms at a lady they hardly knew.
They made fun of her appearance, criticised her work ethic, and openly delighted in her misfortune. Of course, they had no idea that Jennifer is a full-time mum who enjoys crocheting despite having health problems.
Also unknown to them was Jennifer’s willingness to fight back. When several users you don’t know pile on you with insults and threats, many people will avoid getting involved.
However, Jennifer ultimately chose to advocate for herself. She did this despite knowing it would draw further attention to the picture that had been taken ruthlessly without her permission.
She explains why she’s posting the video: “I am sharing this because people think it is funny to laugh at people with disabilities.”
Jennifer responded to the claims that she was “lazy” by describing how the discomfort and weakness in her legs were caused by her spinal disease, spondylolisthesis.
Therefore, the longer Jennifer stands, the more probable it is that she will fall, which is something she is accustomed to.
She continues by saying that she felt very feeble and in agony on that specific day. Even though her mental health was very low, she still had to go grocery shopping for her kids.
She was trying to help her husband out by picking up a case of Pepsi, but she slipped and fell. She was under the impression that she heard laughter, but she didn’t give it much credence since she is so accustomed to having nasty strangers make fun of her in public.
My impairments are invisible to the naked eye, but they are very much there and very real. Remember that the next time you see a snapshot that makes fun of somebody.
You have no idea what kind of hardships they suffer on a daily basis. Laughing at someone is never simply a bit of harmless fun.
The image itself is criticised by Jennifer: “My main point in this answer is I did not choose to be photographed at a low point in my life.”
She keeps fighting back against people’s perceptions that she “chooses” to be overweight or disabled.
Her most crucial point is that “Obese people are treated as less than human and as something to ridicule,” which she emphasises.
All I want is for people to realise that obese people are just as human as everyone else. She concludes by saying that she is not looking for apologies or sympathy, but rather wants to foster empathy.
Saying anything along the lines of “I am a person, please treat me like one!” We are so moved by Jennifer’s compassion and kindness in the midst of such hostility.
Those who speak out for themselves and others help brighten what may seem like a dark world, particularly online. Do you have any thoughts? Leave your thoughts below!