Some people don't realize the power that comes with the words they say. Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year. Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying. 17% of American students report being bullied 2 to 3 times a month or more within a school semester.People don't realize the implications of insults and put-downs. So I thought if the words people say left a physical mark, people would see it more clearly. 

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My subject has a bruise portrayed under her eye with the word "slut" highlighted inside of it in order to literally depict the insult making the subject feel as if she got punched in the face. But I specifically chose to portray a bruise instead of a different wound because a bruise doesn't just last for a second. Bruises can last days or even weeks. This symbolizes idea of the hurtful words people say have a powerful and lasting impact.