Would you stare at this woman?

It would be hard not to stare but I would treat her the same way as anyone else. And I certainly wouldn't make nasty comments like that to a stranger! How rude!
I am not disfigured in any way however I do have facial piercings and tattoos on my arms so I understand how annoying and frustrating it is to have to deal with inconsiderate idiots who stare and ask stupid questions, seems like all the time.
I really dont think shes ugly anyway, I think disfigured is a better description!\
I also think that from the photo, it almost seems like she could have some plastic surgery and fix that.

The shocking experiences this woman has had - with people calling her ugly etc. - are completely disgusting, but I'd like to think they're very rare.

People seem very interested in anything 'differen't (you can see that natural curiosity on babies' faces when they see a facial characteristic they've never seen before - like a beard!) so I imagine people feel they 'can't help but look' at someone unusual, which must be exhausting for the person being looked at.

But having spent time pushing my mum about when she was in a wheelchair, I also think a lot of people aren't sure how to respond to people who look 'unusual' so they end up either looking away to be polite or smiling in a way that's intended to be friendly, but that often comes across as condescending and pitying.

So what would be the polite thing to do when you see someone who looks like that? I mean, when you walk you obviously look at people and if something looks off on a person you take a second look. I don't stare but if I see someone who is disfigured in someway, I usually just keep my head straight and continue walking. Is that rude?

Nah.

We're not comfortable with things that look out of the ordinary. It's a cultural blunder we have.

Now I can admit, I would probably take a second look, but honestly, she really isn't the 'ugliest' I've seen. I just can't believe the cruelty of people. There are alot of people who are angry and disappointed in themselves. It could be quite annoying to see someone like her who gets up and faces the world everyday, and if she has a sunny disposition, well that just takes the cake. Having to hurt someone's feelings just for the sake of it says more about you than the person you're trying to hurt. I find ignorance and intolerance really ugly.

I would have to look but I wouldn't say she was ugly. Different yes, ugly no. It's in our nature to be inquisitive and unfortunately that can lead to upsetting the people we find somehow interesting or unusual.

there is always going to be people that stare. i don't think i would stare at this woman. she looks pretty normal to me.

i mean, we expect people to look a certain way. and if they don't at first glance, there is usually a double take to understand what we are seeing. that's how it is for me anyway.

to treat her poorly though is uncalled for.

When in high school I sort of befriended a student with a similar issue. We helped each other in history class. 20 years later I walked into a grocery and from out of no where she came running up to me, remembered my name, hugged me, and we talked for just a few minutes. I will never forget that day someone from high school remembered me the shy wallflower, I was so surprised and humbled she remembered who I was.

I'd stare. It's one of my vices. Midgets and trannies give me a severe case of the willies. I think dirty thoughts when I see an attractive lesbian couple in public. And I always stare at people with physical deformities. It never fails. For what it's worth, though, I always treat all these people with the utmost respect... aside from the uncontrollable staring.