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Disability, News

Abdu Rozik Reacts to Trolling After Wedding Announcement

Societal prejudice and online ableism faced by the influencer with dwarfism.

MMS Staff

18 May 2024

3-min read

In the world of social media, where personal milestones are celebrated publicly, joy can often be tainted by the harsh reality of online trolling. This was the unfortunate experience of Abdu Rozik, a famous influencer and singer, who recently announced his engagement to 19-year-old Amira. While the news was met with a wave of support from his celebrity friends, it also drew a barrage of cruel and hurtful comments from netizens, highlighting a persistent issue in our society: ableism faced by people with disabilities.


Abdu Rozik, a 20 years-old celebrity influencer, little person (person with dwarfism), has built a successful career and amassed a significant following. Sharing his joyous engagement news should have been a time of pure celebration. Instead, it revealed the darker side of social media, where bias and prejudice still thrive.


Responding to the negativity, Abdu released an official statement expressing his dismay. "The negative comments and those who are making fun of me and being nasty is very sad," he said. "Imagine Amira and her family are reading these comments." His words underscore the emotional impact that such trolling can have, not only on the individuals directly targeted but also on their loved ones.


Abdu’s statement sheds light on the broader issue of societal attitudes towards people with dwarfism. "We went public after a lot of discussion and reluctance," he revealed, "and unfortunately it is going from best news to a nightmare." 


Reflecting on his past, Abdu admitted, "I used to be ashamed of who I am and my size, and many families used to hide their children who are like me. But now allhamdulillah, I and all the others like me have to stand tall and be accepted." 


People with dwarfism have historically been marginalized in the media, often cast in roles designed for comic relief rather than serious or nuanced portrayals. This harmful stereotype reduces their complex identities to mere punchlines, perpetuating misconceptions and fostering a culture of ridicule. Characters with dwarfism are frequently depicted as childlike or buffoonish, reinforcing a narrow and demeaning view of their capabilities and humanity. This trend not only denies actors with dwarfism the opportunity to showcase their talents in diverse roles but also impacts societal attitudes, contributing to the ongoing stigma and discrimination they face in everyday life. It is crucial for the media to move beyond these outdated portrayals and represent people with dwarfism with the dignity and respect they deserve.


Understanding and Respecting People with Dwarfism


To combat the ignorance and prejudice that Abdu and others like him face, it's crucial to educate ourselves about dwarfism and how to interact respectfully with those who have it. Here are some important points to consider:


Language Matters: Avoid using outdated and offensive terms like "m*dget." Instead, use "person with dwarfism," which is respectful and accurate.


Respect and Courtesy: Treat individuals with dwarfism with the same respect and courtesy you would anyone else. They are no different in terms of their cognitive abilities and deserve equal respect.


Combat Stereotypes: People with dwarfism are often unfairly infantilized or used for comedic relief in media portrayals. Recognize and challenge these stereotypes to promote a more accurate and respectful understanding.


Educate Yourself: Lack of knowledge often leads to unintentional exclusion or insensitivity. By learning about dwarfism, you can become a more informed and supportive ally.

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