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Burn survivor speaks out about pretty girls’ “imperfections” on social media

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PHOTO: Facebook/India Gale
PHOTO: Facebook/India Gale

This young woman, who was severely burnt when she was a toddler, is now speaking out against social media’s ridiculous beauty standards.

India Gale, from Brighton in England, was only three years old when 40% of her body was badly burned. The devastating incident occurred when her dress accidentally brushed against a gas fire in her family home.  

The now 18-year-old says it infuriates her that pretty young women have become so obsessed with their appearance and so-called imperfections.

“I’ve seen social media channels where girls just put themselves down all the time,” India told Mirror News. “Among some circles, it’s become this cool thing to hate yourself; it’s really disturbing.” 

India, who’s a student, says it’s heartbreaking that girls often label themselves as ugly. She thinks they do it subconsciously – as they’re programmed to do so because of social media’s standards.

“I feel it’s such a trend to hate yourself and your appearance in my generation – and I really want to see that change,” she says.

India teamed up with Fixers – a charity that gives young people a voice – and is starring in a poster campaign to get her important message across.

 

“People today can talk about their feelings so openly on a global stage thanks to social media. You can never switch off from it.

“I believe many adults think social media and selfies are based on vanity, and there’s certainly an element of that, but it’s also about trying to keep up with everyone else,” she says.

By regularly featuring people with physical imperfections, the student thinks it’s possible to redefine the true meaning of beauty.

“I hope my campaign will help young girls to stop feeling like they need to strive for unrealistic levels of perfection.

“I’ve realised that if I have confidence in myself and how I look, then other people will follow,” she says.

Sources: thearugs.co.uk, mirror.co.uk, burnsurvivor.com

 

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