I saw this poster on the underground and its really struck a chord with me. We are all so vain and worry about even the slightest blemish in our appearance. Yet there are people out there, who have disfigurements, for whom each day is a challenge because of our vanity. They have to try to fit into a society that is all about looks and scorns at anyone who looks different.
People with disfigurements do not need us to feel pity or sympathize over their disfigurements but to accept it. Would you stare at a person because of their race, the answer would be “No”, then why stare at them because of their face? Changing Faces is a charity that is trying to promote “Face Equality” and I would recommend visiting their website (http://www.changingfaces.org.uk/Face-Equality/About-face-equality) for further details about the Face Equality campaign.
Changing Faces campaign
A video campaign by Changing Faces to promote “Face Equality”-
Tags: Changing faces, disfigurement, Face Equality, Project 100, vanity
very powerful posters.
Something I feel bad about is where you suddenly encounter someone with a major facial disfigurement in the street, or a shop, bar, wherever, and initially it makes you jump a little, and they perhaps notice. That makes me feel terrible, as you can lose your composure a little because you are confronted by something unusual or unexpected, and I imagine that look of slight shock must be hurtful to the person who has ’caused’ it.
But really, me feeling bad is exactly what they don’t want, they don’t want to cause any reaction, to be any different, I suppose.
It’s all about equality of treatment I think.
Anyway, just checked your blog and thought I’d give my thoughts!
I guess it is human nature to feel shocked and even to be sympathetic, and it isn’t easy to get rid of these feelings, that is why I like this campaign. It really does raise awareness and makes you think, what if I was in their shoes, how would I want to be treated. Once you put yourself in that mindset, it is a whole lot easier to look past the face.
I came across your blog and I have to say how impressed I am by your poems and posts. The wording and thoughts behind them are ever so touching and beautifully worded. I then read this post and was very touched and somewhat shocked, though I really shouldnt be, on how your reaction to these every emotive posters. You see, I deal with it everyday and to see someone that is not actually living it, express the feelings you describe in such accurate mannner is very touching but very rare and unexpected. You are right when you say we do not want sympathy and pity and just want to be treated as everyone else because most people in my situation have dealt with it, I have and just wish everyone else would to. To look, to glance, even to have that reaction of being taken aback is ok, and I know I am used to it and has accepted it but to stare at someone’s face to the point when I feel like they are not looking at “me” but at my “disfigurement”, just because they do not conform to society’s definitionto normal, is most hurtful to say the least. Something like a simple train journey can make you feel like you are on exhibition at a freak show and is very demoralising. I wish people would think before snigerring, stare, point and just take a moment to think of that individual’s past journey and where we are mpw and then just move on and accept that this individual is just going about their normal lives as everyone else is.
I just wanted to thank you for reminding me that there are decent and compassionate people that do take a minute to think and feel. That is and should be true human nature.
Thank you for your kind words Aaliyah, it really did brighten up my day. It was also good to have your perspective on this post as it makes it easier for people to empathize and understand the Changing Faces campaign.
It is a sad sad world which we live in now where people no longer have time to think and feel. I guess I am the same but this blog has helped me to dedicate some time to ponder on things that I myself wouldn’t normally.