I recently came across Eugenia Cooney's YouTube channel, and I immediately subscribed because I appreciate her lighthearted demeanor, her sense of humor and most importantly, her kind, nonjudgmental attitude. However, I quickly noticed that Eugenia has a ton of Internet haters who attempt to tear her apart -- largely because of her physical appearance and their unfounded assumptions that she has an eating disorder. This past week, Eugenia faced even greater torment, with a slew of Internet trolls accusing her of being desperate for attention. I would prefer to not go into detail about what spurred this blast of harassment, but Eugenia has explained in her latest video that "what...sucks is when people start judging you and telling you that you did certain things for attention...when you didn't." I #StandWithEugenia, and after reading this letter, I hope you will too.
To All Of The Eugenia Cooney Haters:
I should start by saying that I don't know Eugenia personally. I've never met her, and with the exception of a few brief, impersonal correspondences online, we've never talked to each other. So, you may be wondering why I would care enough to write a letter to all of you. It's simple, I cannot stand bullying of any kind. I believe that Eugenia is a sincere, kindhearted person and she doesn't deserve to be tormented simply for being who she is. She is human as well, and thus, she makes mistakes -- just like we all do; people cannot hold her to a higher standard than they would hold themselves.
Yes, she has chosen to be in the public eye, but haven't we all? Nowadays, who isn't on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter? It just happens that Eugenia garnered more Internet attention than most of us. Do you think that she should hide herself away and try to remain unseen because her appearance stirs up feelings of resentment within you? How would you feel if someone told you that? How would you feel if one of your Instagram followers told you that you should take down all of your selfies because the sight of you on their feed disgusts them? It may seem trivial at first, but Eugenia has over 200 thousand followers and thus receives thousands of even more hateful comments every day. Just imagine how detrimental that could be to her self-esteem. Eugenia is a beautiful person -- both inside and out -- and it would be a shame if she never chose to share who she is with the world.
Leaving comments on her Instagram photos telling her to "eat a burger" isn't going to help anyone. If you were genuinely concerned about her, you wouldn't say that. In her recent YouNow broadcast, Eugenia gently reminded viewers that her weight is none of their concern. I agree with her completely; it truly isn't. She assures us that she is healthy and fine, and we just have to take her her word and accept that for what it is. If you had a heart at all, you would not choose to continually pick apart her appearance and taunt on social media. Instead, you would show her kindness. No one deserves to be ridiculed for the way they look or, for that matter, for any other aspect of who they are.
Even Freelee's video, which may seem to have well-intentions on the surface, is nothing more than a damaging personal attack on Eugenia. What good does it do to say that "her heart can stop at any moment" and "these people have heart attacks?: Again, Eugenia is a human being, just as we all are. She has feelings, and she doesn't deserve to be talked about as if she is an outcast. People are people. We are all people.
Always remember to think twice -- and then think again -- about what you want to say before you choose to say it. Eugenia is a just a normal person -- who happens to be extraordinarily kind -- and who, like all of us, needs love and support. I hope you will join me and #StandWithEugenia.
Thank you,
Linda
