When Did We Become So Comfortable Tearing People Apart?
- MissHollywoodMedia
- Jul 1
- 4 min read
The Price of Clicks, Cruelty and Social Media Culture
By Renee Whitley Writer | Media Host | Author | Motivational Speaker
It Started with a Conversation
I recently came across a video where a content creator was discussing the internet's latest target—model and actress Eva Marcille's feet.
Curious, I decided to do what many of us do. I looked up the photos for myself.
As I scrolled through the images and then the comments that followed, one question kept running through my mind:
Why are people so incredibly critical of everyone and everything?
Now, I already know what some people will say.
"Who cares? She has more money than you."
Or...
"Eva doesn't care."
To be honest, I agree with both statements.
But neither one addresses the real issue.
Because this isn't really about Eva Marcille.
It's about us.
When Did Cruelty Become Entertainment?
Somewhere along the way, social media blurred the line between having an opinion and publicly humiliating another human being.
Constructive criticism has turned into ridicule.
Conversations have turned into insults.
And likes, shares and viral moments have become worth more than someone's dignity.
What concerns me isn't whether Eva cares.
What concerns me is that thousands of complete strangers seem perfectly comfortable making another person the punchline of the day.
Why?
What satisfaction comes from trying to embarrass someone you've never met?
We All Have Imperfections
If I'm being honest, I can point out plenty of flaws about myself.
We all can.
Some are physical.
Some are emotional.
Some are scars that no one else can see.
The difference is that I have to live with mine every single day.
I certainly wouldn't want thousands of strangers dissecting every inch of me online.
And I imagine most people—whether they're famous or not—feel exactly the same way.
Being successful doesn't make someone immune to hurt.
Being wealthy doesn't erase feelings.
And being in the public eye shouldn't automatically make someone fair game for cruelty.
I've Been There
I was bullied as a child.
Even now, there are moments when I can still remember exactly how that felt.
Words have a way of staying with you long after they're spoken.
That's why I often wonder what people actually gain from tearing someone else down.
Does it make them feel better?
More important?
More attractive?
More successful?
Or has cruelty simply become so normalized online that many people no longer recognize it for what it is?
Social Media Turned Up the Volume
Criticism isn't new.
We've had fashion critics, entertainment commentators and celebrity gossip for decades.
But today's social media culture has amplified everything.
One opinion quickly becomes ten thousand.
A joke becomes a trending topic.
A harmless photo becomes an invitation for strangers to analyze someone's body, face, age, weight, skin, hair—or in this case—even their feet.
Sometimes it feels as though people are simply waiting for someone to slip up so they can join the pile-on.
That isn't accountability.
Its entertainment disguised as commentary.
Beauty Isn't Measured by Perfection
Let's not forget who we're talking about.
Eva Marcille is beautiful.
She's Black.
She's successful.
She's built a career that many people only dream about.
She has walked runways, built businesses, appeared on television and created opportunities through years of hard work and dedication.
Whether someone likes her feet or not changes absolutely none of that.
Not one accomplishment disappears because strangers decided to make jokes online.
The Pixie Cut We All Remember
Recently, Eva surprised many fans by cutting off her locs and returning to the iconic pixie haircut that introduced so many of us to her during her unforgettable run on America's Next Top Model.
And if you ask me...
She's absolutely killing it.
All over again.
Sometimes the simplest change reminds us exactly why someone became unforgettable in the first place.
Before You Hit "Post"
The next time we're tempted to make a joke at someone else's expense, maybe we should stop and ask ourselves one simple question:
Would I want someone saying this about me—or someone I love?
If the answer is no...
Maybe it doesn't need to be posted.
The internet doesn't have to become kinder overnight.
But each of us can choose not to contribute to the cruelty.
And if more people made that choice, social media—and perhaps the world itself—would become a much better place.
Sometimes the most beautiful thing about a person isn't what you can see.
It's the grace they show while the rest of the world is trying to pick them apart.
About the Author
Renee Whitley is a writer, media host, author and motivational speaker whose work explores the human experiences behind today's headlines. Through thoughtful commentary, personal reflection and compelling storytelling, she encourages readers to look beyond the surface and consider the bigger conversations shaping our world. As the founder of The Chat with Miss Hollywood, Renee covers entertainment, culture, travel and real-life issues with honesty, empathy and a voice that challenges readers to think differently.
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