According to statistics, a fifth of girls as young as 12 years old won’t leave home without a full face of make-up and more than half of preteens wear cosmetics every single day. Researchers have found that 17 percent of women refuse to leave the house without make-up on and 63 percent of 12-14 year olds go to bed with make-up on at least once a week. Additionally, more than two-thirds of mothers with teenage girls say they regularly hear their daughters complain about their skin. Make up is a big deal amongst adolescents these days — is this the way we want our young girls to grow up?

In a powerful video, a young girl started posting pictures of herself without makeup on. Within three months, more than 100,000 people commented on her face. Her face appears with significant acne with humbling music in the background. All around her you can see degrading words, like “Ew,” “Gross,” and even “You look disgusting.” The title of this video is “You Look Disgusting,” and when you see how cruel people were to her, you’ll know why. Just imagine someone saying these words about your face?

Then, the  young girl begins to put on foundation to cover her acne. As her face begins to clear beneath the layers of makeup, words like “You look amazing”, “You look beautiful”, and “That lipstick is amazing,” start appearing. But just as quickly as the positive comments appear so do the negative comments.  “You wear too much makeup”, “Trust no fu*&ing B$&ch with makeup,” “She still looks like Sh&*”. You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t…

In today’s world of social media, anyone at any place in the world can leave comments on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc. with their opinions on someone else. Some call it free speech. “Don’t post something if you don’t want people to comment,” others might say. Those that posted these comments probably would have never said these things out loud, but because of social media they can hide behind a screen and post as their hearts desire.

This video a great example of how hurtful words on the internet can not only change a person, but change an entire society. Whether you are wearing makeup or not, you are beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you differently.

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