A photograph of a black man holding a white baby has gone viral on social media. As viewers began to realize what was really happening in the snapshot, they couldn’t believe their eyes.
“So a lot of people like this picture. So I wanted to take a minute to tell the story,” Facebook user Cody Shugart captioned a snapshot of his son sitting in the lap of a black man. Shugart went on to identify the black man as Milton West, who was his childhood next door neighbor. Shugart had many a good memory with Milton West at the center.
Milton West was my childhood next door neighbor,” wrote Shugart. “I knew him as Mr. Chip. He retired from DOW chemical as an operator. He has always been there for me since I was two years old. Growing up without a father was always difficult for me. But the good lord surrounded me with great men, Mr.Chip was one of them.”
“He constantly preached the value of an education, taught me how to take care of a yard, he taught me to see people for who they are not what they look like, he taught me how to treat my mother like a saint and many other life lessons,” added Shugart. “His contributions to me becoming a good son, man, and father were huge. I am forever grateful for God putting him in my life.”
“Everyday, I read something negative and how race relations are worse than ever. I disagree, and I hope this is a positive loving message to many people. This is just one story in little ol Victoria, Texas. I’m sure there are millions of similar stories across the United States,” he concluded.
The story behind this harsh photo going viral serves as a valuable lesson for everyone
The internet often provides a platform for bullies and unhappy individuals to lash out at strangers. Unfortunately, certain people continue to be common targets for this negativity.
In a troubling trend, many seem to derive satisfaction from hurting others online, and this story highlights that issue. However, the twist here is that the victim chose to confront her attackers.
Jennifer Knapp Wilkinson was shopping at her local grocery store when she lost her balance and fell while trying to grab a nearby shelf. Struggling to stabilize herself from her scooter, she managed to right herself, thinking she was alone.
Sadly, she soon discovered that wasn’t the case. Instead of offering assistance, a bystander took a photo of her fall and shared it online. This act prompted a wave of mockery from users worldwide, who cruelly ridiculed her for her weight and circumstances.
Instead of remaining silent, Jennifer decided to speak out. In her response, she explained: “The reason I’m sharing this is because people think it’s funny to laugh at people with disabilities”.
She clarified that her weight issues stem from a spinal condition called spondylolisthesis, which causes pain and weakness in her legs. Standing for extended periods increases her risk of falling, something she has unfortunately become accustomed to.
That day, despite feeling particularly weak and in pain, she ventured out to shop for her family. While reaching for a case of soda, she fell, and although she sensed people giggling nearby, she brushed it off, as she had grown used to rude remarks from strangers.
Jennifer emphasized: “You can’t see my disabilities, but they are there and they are real. The next time you see someone being mocked, remember you don’t know their struggles. It’s never just harmless fun”. She condemned the act of taking and sharing the photo without her consent, stating: “I did not choose to be photographed at a low point in my life”.
Despite facing ongoing accusations about her weight and assumptions regarding her health, Jennifer wants to remind everyone: “Obese people are treated as less than human, but we are people, too”.
In closing, she expressed that her intention is not to seek pity but to foster understanding and compassion. “I am a person, please treat me as such!” Jennifer’s bravery in standing up against bullying and her thoughtful message serve as a reminder that the online world can be dark, but those who advocate for themselves and others help illuminate it.
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