Featured Image Credit: Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images/Marvel
Topics: Film and TV, Health, Mental Health, Celebrity, Social Media
Anish Vij
Topics: Film and TV, Health, Mental Health, Celebrity, Social Media
We're the Millers star Will Poulter has addressed online comments about his appearance and dyspraxia.
Throughout his career in the film and TV industry, the 30-year-old actor has been subject to constant commentary on social media not just about his acting, but also, sadly, about his looks.
From comments about Poulter looking 'unusual' to comments made about his dyspraxia, the actor has hit back at the negativity.
Earlier this year, in an interview with GQ, Poulter addressed his dyspraxia diagnosis.
Dyspraxia 'also known as developmental coordination disorder (DCD), is a neurodevelopmental condition that begins in childhood that makes it difficult to perform motor skills. It also causes issues with coordination,' the Cleveland Clinic states.
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According to the Dyspraxia Foundation, the condition can result in 'poor spatial awareness,' 'awkward movements,' 'difficulty learning movements' for 'new practical tasks' and 'difficulty keeping up with conversations'.
But how does it affect Poulter and does he think it's a 'hindrance' to his career?
Well, the actor certainly doesn't think dyspraxia acts as any sort of obstacle in his role as an actor - if anything, it helps him.
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He told GQ: "People talk about people who are neurodiverse as if it’s some sort of limitation or a disorder framed negatively, but actually, it makes them special; it makes them more advanced.
"There are definitely things that I use as an actor to make me better at my job."
He went on to address those who think he looks 'unusual' - more people making unnecessary comments about his appearance after he was cast as Adam Warlock in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3.
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"It was weird when people started to debate my physical appearance online as to whether it was deemed attractive or unattractive," Poulter admitted.
He continued: "I am very comfortable and secure in the knowledge that I'm not conventionally attractive as I've always had remarks about looking unusual—whether it's my eyebrows or whatever else, people have made a thing of that.
"I think it just speaks to a wider issue, of: Why are we discussing or spending so much time discussing people's physical appearance?
"Especially in the case of women. But whether you're male or female, why is that the focus so much?
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"Unfortunately, social media has created this problematic idea that everyone's opinion on everything matters equally."
Poulter thinks his 'female counterparts in the industry' have it a lot tougher trying to keep their personal life private.
He resolved: "For the last few years, virtually every day, someone takes a photo without asking, which is uncomfortable.
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"To a large degree, male privilege has protected me from that kind of objectification and the idea that up until now really I've been able to go about my job and not have my physical appearance be something of a subject matter—that privilege hasn't been afforded to my female counterparts in the industry."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.
You can also call 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746 at the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline.