Woman speaks out about her photo being used in cruel meme

This is disgraceful.

Every now and them an idiotic, overdone, unfunny meme theme trends of Facebook. Something like 'tag someone so they have to look at this garlic bread for no reason'. Another idiotic, overdone, unfunny meme currently circulating is one where an image of a woman or man not deemed beautiful by society is posted on viral sites asking people to tag their friends. An example is the one below. Not only are the images insensitive and just plain unintelligent, there is a strong chance of the person being used in the photo seeing the meme. Take Lizzie Velasquez for example. The 27-year-old is a motivational speaker and author who was born with a rare congenital disease that prevents her from accumulating body fat. She came across this image of herself on facebook and posted it on social media.

''I've seen a ton of memes like this all over Facebook recently,'' Lizzie said. ''I'm writing this post not as someone who is a victim but as someone who is using their voice. Yes, it's very late at night as I type this but I do so as a reminder that the innocent people that are being put in these memes are probably up just as late scrolling through Facebook and feeling something that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. '' ''No matter what we look like or what size we are, at the end of the day 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. Xoxo Lizzie''

Prior to this offensive meme, she once came across a video on Youtube which called her the ugliest woman in the world. It had been viewed by over four million people, with some people in the comments telling her to kill herself. She said this changed her life. This inspired her to be a motivational speaker. She did multiple Ted Talks on bullying and self-love. She has also written two books directed at teenagers. If any good can come of this ignorant meme, it should be that more people watch her inspiring speech. And perhaps you'll think twice before interacting with hurtful memes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sohGDfNQV7M&feature=youtu.be