A Facebook page targeting plus-size women has been shut down by the social networking site, which said it does not "tolerate bullying or harassment."
Without permission, a group called Project Harpoon Photoshopped photos of plus-size models, celebrities, as well as everyday women and men, to make them look thinner. Harsh captions were also written, including, "Wow, from a depressed chub to an elegant fox!" The aim was to promote "thinner beauty" and "skinny acceptance," group leader Nick Baskins told People.
Shaming women for their weight isn't anything new. We've seen singer Kelly Clarkson bullied for her body as well as various news anchors who are on the air every day. But, one of the models targeted by Project Harpoon is fed up and wrote an open letter in response with a powerful message.
Ruby Roxx referred to Project Harpoon as "cyber bullies" who promote ideals that harm people's self-esteem. While she urged other women to ignore the negativity, Roxx also made it clear that she loves the skin she's in.
"I am a strong, confident, plus model, who is PROUD of her body," she wrote. "It has gotten me through 31 years, of health, sickness, pain, freedom, love and adventure. My body and I have been through a lot together, and I will not let online bullies such as you make me feel bad about loving myself."
She added: "I thought if I was a size 2 I would be happy…but ya know what, at a size 14, I am WAY happier and WAY healthier than I was at a size 8."
Watch the video below and please SHARE to spread this powerful message and to help empower women of all shapes and sizes!
Plus-size model Ruby Roxx is used to seeing photos of herself online. But, she was infuriated when she stumbled upon one in particular.
The photo, shared on the now-shut down Facebook group called Project Harpoon, altered this professional image of herself.
They Photoshopped her photo to make her look thinner, as you can see from her waist and arms below. The group did the same to other plus-size models, celebrities, and everyday people. They said their message was to promote "thinner beauty" and "skinny acc
"It is not YOUR job to 'inspire' people to lose weight. ESPECIALLY not through bullying!!! Do you really think ANYTHING gets accomplished through bullying and making people feel bad about themselves? These are unrealistic idealistic forms of beauty you are promoting, and not everyone even WANTS or NEEDS to look like that to be healthy or happy. All you are doing with this is ADDING to the problem," she wrote in a blog post on her website.
Make sure to listen to more of her powerful response in the video below!
Please SHARE if you feel women need to hear her words about self empowerment!
