When an anonymous “straw poll” ranked Lynelle Cantwell, a Newfoundland and Labrador teen, among the ugliest at her school, she was faced with a decision. She could respond in kind to the decidedly unkind comment or she could answer in a way that better reflected who she was as a person. She chose the latter, in a Facebook posting that has since gone viral.
To the person that made the “ugliest girls in grade 12 at hth” ask.FM straw poll. I’m sorry that your life is so…
Posted by Lynelle Cantwell on Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Her passionate response demonstrated a secure sense of self that an online attack could not shake. The mean spirited swipe was ugly, but she listed for her anonymous critics all the ways she, as a person, is not. Lynelle also showed she had something inside her that detractors didn’t have for her—compassion. She had the maturity to see that the words aimed to hurt her were a better reflection of what was missing from the lives of her assailants than from her own.
In the face of harsh and superficial criticism, Lynelle showed her depth of character and made a public statement about the things about herself that she values. She stood behind her words, while the creators of the poll hid behind the anonymity afforded to them by the online platform they chose and their keyboards. The insightful teen recognized the limitations of judging people based on appearance alone and gave her bullies a lesson in class and confidence.
Cyberbullying hurts and can have deadly consequences. Navigating body image issues and the challenges of adolescence is challenging enough without being tormented by nameless and faceless aggressors. In the wake of tragedy like that of the loss of young Amanda Todd, Lynne Cantwell showed leadership and bravery in bringing this issue back to the forefront to let those who set out to harm her that their actions were not okay.
This courageous and articulate teen turned something that could have been emotionally crippling into a teachable moment for those who tried to bring her down. In doing so, she has become an internet sensation. As ugly and pervasive as cyberbullying is, in her thoughtful response, Lynne Cantwell’s beautiful smile and compassionate heart are everywhere now too, setting an example of kindness and understanding.
The only ones ugly here are the ones who voted.
I agree.
Great Post.. this feels like something to share with my daughter as her emphasis on pretty and cool have been heightened being in a 1/2 split in school. She has been pretty unkind to a little girl because she’s a bit more sensitive than mine and is requiring extra help! Beautiful courage and congrats to her parents for doing such a great job!
I was bullied relentlessly in high school, long before the internet and cell phones. I wish I had the courage this beautiful young woman has back in high school!
She gad such a good, mature response. She should be proud, her parents should be so proud of her.