INSPIRING: Zozibini Tunzi claps back at a body-shaming troll on social media
We look at a classic case of cyber-bullying, but this time former Miss SA speaks up for herself and other women...
As women, we endure a lot of slander. Traditionally, that used to happen face to face, but now with the online world, that space for slander and ridicule has opened us up to the whole other tribe of meanness and cyber-bullying.
We don't talk about it often because we want to share the good and joy with everyone. But many people, including men, tend to ignore the trolls (a person who makes a deliberately offensive or provocative online post), and just hide or delete their comments.
Everyone's motivations for their choices differ. But sometimes, it's just because we have been told or advised that when you engage with a troll, it can take you down a dark and dangerous road.
Read more: As difficult as it was Stacey Norman addressed hurtful body shaming Facebook comments on-air
Zozibini Tunzi, our former Miss South Africa and Miss Universe, was recently seen responding to a cyber-bully who was body shaming her. The post was on her Instagram account and her fans didn't leave her standing alone.
According to MSN, the troll came at Zozi by saying: "Miss Universe is finished, now you can start eating."
Zozi replied: “Are you not embarrassed?”
Zozi's followers then came to her defence. One person said: "“So you haven't heard of slender by nature, huh? A lot of us eat so much yet don't gain weight. Chill, and worry about your own body, let our Queen slay."
Read more: Billie Eilish stood up against some social media bullies and responded to body shaming trolls
Another fan came with fire and we love what this person said: "You shouldn't say such to another person. You mock us when we are big, and even when we are small, and when we are tall and short. Just don't do it, it's wrong. She represented us and now you want her to be fat? What makes you follow her then? Or even mind her business. This is bullying from you. Or maybe you wanted attention?"
When it comes to trolls and cyber bullies, we are not sure what motivates them. Perhaps the fact that they cannot be seen motivates their choices? But that's no excuse for putting another person down. Sometimes, it is believed that these trolls face real life bullying and use social media as a way to continue the process of hurt, instead of stopping it and being part of the change.
Whatever the reasons behind trolls and bullying, we want to stand firmly with Zozi and her beautiful following. We want to say, good for you for standing up for yourself, in a world filled with hate and unkindness, you make us proud with your efforts in bringing attention to bullying, equality, and mental positivity.
Image Courtesy of Instagram