Think positively about disfigurement
When you look at someone who has a disfigurement what do you see?
Do you see the scars, facial markings or unusual appearance and think it must be the worst thing that could have happened to them? Or do you see a person with skills, talents and personality, capable of living a successful life?
Our survey has shown that 9 out of 10 people believe that people with disfigurements are likely to be less happy and successful. And yet we know of many people who have disfigurements who are successful at work, in relationships and in their life in general.
If you have low expectations of a person, they may well believe it themselves. It is therefore important to see people with disfigurements in a positive way. Don’t discount them on the basis of their facial appearance.
It is important that people with disfigurements are valued and respected for their skills, talents and important contribution they can make to society.
So next time you look at someone with facial disfigurement don’t make the assumption that they are sad, unhappy and less capable in some way. Think of a person with a disfigurement as someone who might enjoy a successful career, be in a fulfilling relationship, someone who might be sociable and outgoing with lots of friends.
Your Comments
If you are struggling to cope and you would like to speak to someone in confidence, please call 0845 4500 275 or email info@changingfaces.org.uk. Please note, we are not able to contact anyone after they have left a message on this board.
Edward Ramsey, 21, Surrey, UK
I was born with a port-wine stain, kids in primary school pointed, they did not understand and their mums and dads told them off for pointing, now I smile and i say "It is fine, your child is curious and ill be happy to explain to you so you can tell your child." I got bullied in high school just because they did not understand, Once i told them what it was Bullying stopped. College, no one wants to ask in fear of looking and sounding rude but I bring up the subject when it comes to getting to know the class and I gain respect for speaking up about it. I did think I would always keep having laser treatment (started at a young age) because it was different and I did not understand it, but as i got older (around 17-18) I decided to stop treatment (Around 18-19) Its apart of me, I have a girlfriend who loves my port wine stain she calls me "Unique!" I asked her "what if i got rid of it" she told me that she wouldn't understand why because theres nothing wrong with looking different. For the younger generation and those who are questioning about their different look, Yes people will not understand and Yes there are people who will accept it, No its nothing wrong and NO you should NOT wish to look different, If it happened from birth or something else. DO NOT WISH TO BE SOMEONE ELSE. BE YOURSELF. I support this campaign 100% If you bump into me and have a question about my difference, ask away. WE ARE RESPECTED BY A HIGHER NUMBER THAN THOSE WHO DO BULLY US BECAUSE WE LOOK DIFFERENT, THE MAIN REASON IS BECAUSE THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY WE LOOK DIFFERENT. Never be shy to talk about your feelings with your family if you are getting bullied, bring the idea up about educating why people look different in a science class with an adult who volunteers to come in and talk about it.
