"We are better than the bullies that will try to take us down," said Jennifer Livingston, a morning anchor WKBT-TV in Wisconsin in her amazing response to a viewer who wrote her an astounding email attacking her weight saying:
"Surely you don’t consider yourself a suitable example for this community’s young people, girls in particular. Obesity is one of the worst choices a person can make and one of the most dangerous habits to maintain. I leave you this note hoping that you’ll reconsider your responsibility as a local public personality to present and promote a healthy lifestyle.”
Livingston's on-air response is eloquent and controlled and proves she is exactly the kind of role model girls need. I love that she says "I am much more than a number on a scale." And then she points out that this email is bullying. And that bullying is learned behavior, and while she is a "thick-skinned" adult, many people are more hurt by such harsh words and criticisms said. In an amazingly passionate and heartfelt plea, she takes this opportunity to reach out to all children who struggle with fitting in and being bullied to "not let your self worth be defined by bullies."
I am confident that out of this evil good will come for Jennifer Livingston. I would not be surprised if she moves on to national level news positions. And she deserves it.
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