26-year-old Lindsey Swift was recently out jogging with her boyfriend in the UK when a total stranger stuck his head out his car window to call her fat and insult her weight. How can people be so cruel?
At first, she was simply annoyed — but as the day went on, the more Lindsey realized the impact of the stranger's rude and inappropriate comments. To think a person could feel so entitled as to shout unsolicited remarks. Instead of remaining quiet about her experience, Lindsey decided to speak up.
In the face of such cruelty, it's Lindsey's reaction to the unexpected criticism that's leaving the biggest mark. She took to Facebook to write an open letter to the stranger, in the hopes she could inspire anyone who faces criticism and/or body image issues to keep living their lives without shame. Her letter quickly went viral. It's humorous, it's honest, and it packs a powerful punch.
Since posting her open letter, Lindsey says, "I’ve had messages from people all over the world saying that they have experienced similar things and will think twice before getting upset in future, which is amazing."
Read Lindsey's letter in full below, and please SHARE this wonderful message of self acceptance with your friends on Facebook.
Lindsey, 26, was jogging with her boyfriend when a man in a white van leaned out his car window and began heckling her about her weight.
An open letter to the idiot who thought it was ok to heckle me with fat jokes on my run yesterday,
Your comment was a clear indication of both your incredibly witty repartee and a feat of observational comedy. I am indeed a big girl, and I am indeed beautiful. Thanks for noticing. I’m not sure who you were telling I was fat, you clearly have eyes, and the only other people present were me and my boyfriend. I assure you that despite your concern I do own a mirror, and my boyfriend has seen my fat body as he too has eyes. Don’t tell anyone but I think he might even like it.
At first, Lindsey was simply annoyed. As the day went on, the more she realized how rude it was for a man who'd never met her before to say such cruel, unsolicited things. No one should feel entitled to shame others.
Normally I don’t get militant about these things, idiots are idiots. However, I can see why comments like these might put a person less confident than me off from running, and that is shameful. Everyone starts somewhere.
Let me make one thing very clear, I am not ashamed of my body. It has never stopped me from doing anything I want. My fat body has done things that you, hanging out of the window of your babe-magnet white van could only ever dream of. My fat body has been swimming in crystal clear Thai seas that you have probably only ever seen on TV. It has lived in countries you wouldn’t dream of visiting and been a part of cultures you are too small minded to appreciate. My fat legs have carried me up mountains on more than one occasion. My fat brain speaks languages you probably don’t see the point of learning, which is why you spend your time hanging out of van windows since you have nothing better to occupy it with.
Lindsey took to Facebook to pen an open letter to the stranger. It quickly went viral, and has already been shared thousands of times.
Recently I made the decision to get fit as I thought it would be a fun thing to do, and good for my health. Not that I have to justify my body to you, but I have a goal to run 10k, and I will get there. I’m a stone lighter than I was, and can do a whole host of things I couldn’t do before. It baffles me that anyone would try to discourage that kind of effort. Excuse me if my assumptions about you are wrong, but I only have your actions to go by. If my fat arse running (quite slowly I might add, I was bloody shattered) offends you and spoils your journey, try driving with your eyes closed, into a lamp post.
Lindsay says she is not ashamed of her body. The rude stranger remains anonymous, but Lindsey has become an inspiring online sensation.
But in all seriousness, now I have written this, I feel sorry for you. Your behaviour is not normal, and your manners are well below par. Most importantly though, I forgive you. Here’s hoping that anyone with a goal, fat or thin, isn’t put off by this kind of thing. I know I haven’t been.
Engage your brain before opening your mouth.
Lindsey.
