What was supposed to be a fun family outing soon turned into quite the opposite for this family. It was truly a sight and unacceptable when this mom was not only humiliated but completely treated wrongfully, in front of her kids and family. The park they had gone to was certainly not cheap, they had gone all out for the children who were playing happily. However, the unexpected occurred when this mom was escorted out of the water park. The matter was no joke and she was infuriated, understandably. She had only been swimming for a couple of minutes when the whole situation went down. We have no doubt you will agree what happened was totally unfair!
Water Park Kicks Mother Out For Her Outfit But Didn’t Know That She Would Fight Back
Her Name Is Madelyn Scheaffer
Madelyn Scheaffer lives in Odessa, Missouri. She is a committed mom and will go to any length for her family. Madelyn is simply a woman that truly takes care of her loved ones and aims to ensure their happiness at all times. When Madelyn was about halfway through her 30s something drastic happened. This event truly changed everything for her, it affected Madelyn greatly! Her world somewhat fell to pieces.
Her Name Is Madelyn Scheaffer
Hard Work
Almost a decade later, multiple employees in the water park almost undid all the work and effort she had put into changing. One moment almost tore away at years of dedication. She really has been through a tough time, many ups and downs. The experience she had at this water park truly hurt her, infuriated her, and almost broke her. You can surely understand what went down at this water park was not good, not good at all.
Hard Work
It Was Time To Make A Decision
In 2005, Madelyn’s life changed when she was forced to evaluate her life and the choices she had been making. An accident in the bathroom had caused this shift in mentality. Madelyn accidentally leaned over a bit too far in the bathtub, when she slipped and fell. Something was wrong, she could feel it. A disc had slipped in her back when she fell. She was in utter pain, a slipped disc can be extremely painful!
It Was Time To Make A Decision
A Change
Her way of living was not healthy for her body, she was not making healthy choices. Thus, one afternoon she decided she was going to up and change her life and her life’s choices. Madelyn had realized that she needed to make a drastic change for herself and her well-being. The pain and suffering she went through from this slipped disc was immeasurable, enough to make any individual reconsider and make a change or two in their life.
A Change
It Was A Sign
When she fell and dislocated the disc, an ambulance service was quick to arrive on the scene. Paramedics tried to help her, she was in such intense pain she told them she was unable to move. She refused to the point that the paramedics were forced to leave. Madelyn decided to lay in the bathtub…she did this for days. Her pain was so great she simply remained in the bathtub, still for days.
It Was A Sign
A Sense Of Calm
Madelyn had spent so much time in the bathtub that all of a sudden something came over her, it was a calming feeling that took over her body. She had not planned for any of this to happen, well no one would plan to be in such a situation. However, she never expected such a painful thing to ever happen to her. She took it as fate, that someone was sending her a message. She realized this was the sign she had been forgetting to take care of herself whilst she was taking such good care of her family.
A Sense Of Calm
She Was Determined To Change
Madelyn told reporters, “That should have been the first sign for me that I needed to lose weight, but it took me another year before I made the decision to do something.” Sometimes it takes a bad incident for good to stem from it. However, something truly unbelievable happened when she plucked up the courage, strength, and will-power to do what she aimed to do. The incident was the first stage t her totally turning her life around.
She Was Determined To Change
Best Shape Of Her Life
Only two years after this horrific incident Madelyn lost an astounding 100 pounds. This totally transformed her life. Another five years went by, she maintained her figure and weight-loss and was truly looking good. Little did she know that was lying ahead would be one of the worst battles she would ever endure, a battle that threatened her hard work, yes, but also her self-esteem she had worked so hard to build.
Best Shape Of Her Life
Mustering The Bravery To Do It
Madelyn was 43-years-old, she now weighed 170 pounds and this was the best shape she had ever been in, she was looking her best, and feeling it too. Madelyn had a newfound confidence. It was a hot summer’s day and she wanted to do something she had never done before. She was well aware her body was not the ideal body type, nor was it perfect. However, she decided to try on a bikini and went on her way to Adventure Oasis Water Park. She felt really good in her new black bikini, things were about to take a turn for the worst.
Mustering The Bravery To Do It
Someone Was Watching Her
Once the family had arrived at the water park, they settled in a spot and Madelyn took some time to relax. She observed some of the other bodies in the water park, of young people and older people. It was the first time she was not jealous, she felt secure in herself and truly content with how her body looked. Madelyn had put in the work and it had paid off for her. However, one thing she did not know was that someone in the background was keeping an eye on her…
Someone Was Watching Her
Confidence is Key
Losing weight is difficult for everyone, many people struggle to shed those unwanted pounds. However, when it comes to putting on a bikini after the weight loss, well, this is a whole other challenge in itself. Just because one loses weight does not mean that their confidence is instantly boosted, just as one works on losing weight they also have to build up their self-esteem. Madelyn was feeling confident but things were about to change.
Confidence Is Key
She Could Not Believe It
She laid out her towel, and layout a bit before deciding she wanted to cool-off in the water. Madelyn was enjoying the atmosphere and she loved seeing her kids so happy at the park. It was a wonderful afternoon for a family outing and some fun. She had been in the water for five minutes when two female staff personnel came up to her. They proceeded to talk to Madelyn, she could not fathom what they had said at first.
She Could Not Believe It
Employees Say What
She looked up at the staff members and scrunched her eyes in the sunlight. She was completely taken aback and thought she misheard them, she asked them to repeat what they had just said. Again she was simply completely shocked by what these female staff members were asking of her. Madelyn was completely taken aback, she did not know whether to cry or scream but she was humiliated.
Employees Say What
Her “Inappropriate” Outfit
One of the staff members even sighed and rudely repeated what she had told Madelyn. This staff member had told her that the bikini she was wearing was “too small” and that it was also “inappropriate.” She went on to explain that “this is a family park.” Madelyn was in disbelief at the words coming out of this young girl’s mouth. Was she being publicly shamed? What was this young girl saying?
Her “Inappropriate” Outfit
According To Who’s Standards?
She was in fact wearing “full” bikini bottoms at the water park. In total confusion, she looked around and observed all the other ladies that were at the park at the time. It was clear as day that some of them were wearing bathing suits that were showier than Madelyn’s. She was certainly not the only one in a bikini that was for sure! In all the confusion she quickly realized that something was definitely not right in the situation.
According To Who’s Standards
She Felt Violated
Madelyn was feeling a whirlwind of emotions and they were visible on her face, this was not a situation where she would be able to hide them and get on with it. Madelyn was not only embarrassed but she felt somewhat ashamed at the same time. The female staff member had embarrassed her, humiliated her, and made her feel somewhat degraded. You could see it all over her face that she was upset.
She Felt Violated
Taking A Stand
Madelyn halted her emotions, she took a step back and her whole mindset changed. She was not about to let these people make her feel bad about her own body nor humiliate her in such a setting. She became enraged. “I was embarrassed for a second, and then it was no, no way,” she recalled. She had put in to much dedication and effort in to the way she looked and her mindset to let these random people tear it down.
Taking A Stand
They Singled Her Out
“My body is different than the young girls that were walking around in their bikinis, but why should I be made ashamed of my body?” Madelyn asked genuinely. She went on to say, “I am comfortable in my bikini. I am happy with who I am.” SHe had been singled out by two employees and was not going to simply sand by or give in to what they had said, especially when it ad been done so unfairly.
They Singled Her Out
Embracing Your Body
“My first reaction was why are you singling me out? They said that my bottoms were inappropriate. That was funny to me because they are full-size bottoms.” Bodies come in al different shapes and sizes, something that is being emphasized today is that they should never be shamed or seen as wrong and right. The honest truth is that all types of bodies need to be embraced and seen as acceptable.
Embracing Your Body
Time To Take A Stand
As she faced the staff personnel and turned around in order to do so, she noticed how they were analyzing her body from top to bottom. They had smug expressions wiped across their faces whilst doing so, it was obvious. Madelyn knew that if the incident had occurred just a few years prior she never would have said anything, she would have been way to shy. However, this time she was in a completely different headspace.
Time To Take A Stand
Standing Up For Herself
She was ready to defend herself and stand for her opinion. It had become crystal clear she was being somewhat picked on and treated unfairly by the staff members, they had no reason for doing so either. Madelyn was not about to let her confidence and self-esteem be jeopardized, especially after she had put so much hard work and effort into it all. Madelyn was not going to let these random people breakdown her confidence.
Standing Up For Herself
They Gave Her Two Options
These two employees, who were in fact young ladies, did not want to let the issue rest. They were adamant that she was in the wrong. The two employees explained how she had just two choices. Her first option was to wear a pair of shorts over her swimming costume which would cover up her bottoms, or she would be required to leave the park immediately. As infuriated as ever she demanded to see their manager.
They Gave Her Two Options
Choosing
“Well I am not covering up,” she said to them. She went on, “And if you expect me to leave, you had better call the police and have them escort me out, ” she said. Regardless of her feelings of humiliating and being singled out she now felt as though it was her duty to stand her ground. She felt that this was bigger than just her but it was about all the women in the park and all women with bodies that were not considered the norm.
Choosing
She Was Booted Out
In all apprehensiveness, the police were notified and officers arrived at the water park booting Madelyn right out of the park as if her family day was not ruined enough. Madelyn said, “Fifteen minutes later the police did arrive and said that while they did not agree, they had to do their job. ‘We can’t actually say anything,’ they said as we walked outside… but I hope from the expressions on our face you can tell how we feel.”
She Was Booted Out
Even The Police Agreed
Madelyn decided to share her experience and horrible experience on Facebook. He post went viral within hours, as it deserved to, many felt and understood the injustice that had occurred. The post said, “They were compassionate. They, too, though it was ridiculous.” The police definitely knew what was forbidden and what was allowed, if they had this opinion the park was certainly in the wrong.
Even The Police Agreed
Looking Too Good In A Bikini
“I am a 43-year-old woman who did not have the confidence or the body, to put on a bikini until [I was] 40 years old,” Madelyn continued to say. She said, “I will not be discriminated against because I look too good in one.” Loud and proud she was standing up for not only herself but for women who may have gone through the same thing, she had waited all this time to look and feel good- she deserved to flaunt it.
Looking Too Good In A Bikini
Wearing A Bikini At Any Age
Madelyn continued explaining the bikini she was wearing at the time, “This was not a thong. It was a standard, summertime, two-piece, string bikini… the same as everyone else, who felt confident enough in their body to wear one.” Despite body, body frame or shape, she was well aware that if someone else had been in the same bikini, they would not have received the same treatment that she did, it was completely wrong.
Wearing A Bikini At Any Age
It Was Completely Unfair
“I felt like it was both age and body discrimination and I felt like I could look around me and I could see a handful of other girls half my age, wearing the same size swimming suit and not being singled out and told to put on clothes or leave,” she said very upset. The question that remained, was what was she going to do about the whole ordeal? She certainly could not sit back and simply let them get away with it.
It Was Completely Unfair
It Went Viral On Facebook
After her Facebook post went viral, people from across the globe saw how she was treated and how she was discriminated against at this water park. She had thoroughly explained her side of the story and people were in utter shock at how the park treated her, especially how the staff could act towards customer in that way. She was not letting them off the hook just there, the response was even more encouragement for her to defend herself.
It Went Viral On Facebook
Spreading The Word
She knew that the staff at the water park would not understand their mishaps simply by a post that online shames them. She wanted compensation, what was she going to do about it? Madelyn intended to elaborate on this all she could, she wanted it to be the big deal it was. her goal was to do this for women across the globe who did not have the courage to stand up and defend themselves.
Spreading The Word
She Received Local Support
“Long story short, I called the media and will be on tonight’s local 41 news. Several people walked out while I waited outside for the newsman, and told me how ridiculous this all was, and complimented me on my swimsuit,” she said. We are glad that Madelyn got the situation the necessary attention and more, but also that she was complimented on her swimsuit just so they truly did not affect her self-esteem.
She Received Local Support
Supporters From All Over The World
She took to Facebook once again, however, this time she wanted to thank everyone who had reached out to her and supported her along the way. The outpouring of support was more than she thought possible. Madelyn wrote, “In addition to other countries already mentioned, I have now heard from Greece, China, Hong Kong…and received over 500 beautiful letters from Brazil. I have been wanting to see the world, and now the world is coming to me, and sending much Love.”
Supporters From All Over The World
Appreciation For The Human Body
“One thing I have learned so far is that there is a much greater viewpoint and perspective of the human body than what is to be found in Independence, Missouri worldwide… and I thank and appreciate you for that!” If it was not enough to e on the news, to have the police on her side and have people compliment her outside the water park- well, now she was receiving compliments from the globe.
Appreciation For The Human Body
Appreciating What We Have
Madelyn carried on, “Much Love to those who express pride over shame for all shapes, sizes, in addition to various ages and stages, of this beautiful human body we inhabit our time on earth.” She had truly come to appreciate her body, in all its beauty and the idea of encouraging and empowering women of all shapes and sizes.
Appreciating What We Have
Money Is Not Going To Fix The Problem
“While I stand by my grievance that I was discriminated against at Adventure Oasis Water Park, and I do not believe it should happen again,” she continues, “It is not money that is going to correct the issue, but a change in the swimming park’s “appropriate swimming attire” policy, and also an improvement involving better education and orientation of their park management.”
Money Is Not Going To Fix The Problem
Change In Policy
We are in agreement that this is the correct method to actually improve the overall attitude and morale. The park should definitely listen to Madelyn’s words before they make an even bigger mistake. On the other hand, if those are the rules and regulations of the park then that is fair but they should be enforced equally amongst all. This specific example and discrimination is happening across the globe. The next story is somehow even more unfair than the last and applies to the younger generation too…
Change In Policy
Unwelcome
Sarah Villafane is a college student and fitness enthusiast, she is a frequent goer at her college gym. Sarah is a student at the College of Charleston and has had no previous issues with her gym or her college. It was on a normal day where Sarah planned to gym after her classes, but on this day something else was in store. Her college gym experience would not be what it usually was, her gym did something that was just not fair…
Unwelcome
Her Gym Top
On this specific day, Sarah had three classes on campus, she dressed in her gym clothes to class and was going straight from there to workout. This is a common thing for her and other students, in order to be time-efficient they wear gym clothes to their lectures. Not even just college students but busy people who are able to dress in the casual attire do so too.
Her Gym Top
A Matching Set
Sarah was dressed in a matching black gym set, leggings, and a cropped sleeveless t-shirt. However, this was not a normal crop it was slightly cropped. Her leggings were high-waisted which meant that only a small piece of her stomach was on display. This is a common gym outfit for all, one that fitness enthusiasts and common gym-goers will gladly tell you they see at the gym. Young or old, gym outfits apply to all.
A Matching Set
Approached Her
Sarah had strategically planned out her workout and was going about her workout as usual. Little did she know her workout was about to be ruined. One of the staff members at the gym approached Sarah and had something to say. The employee told Sarah that her outfit wa inappropriate and she would need to change immediately. She was completely taken aback, and unsure of what to do…
Approached Her
No Other Option
Sarah simply replied to the employee and explained her truth, she simply had no other shirt at the gym. Sarah went on with her workout, she continued what she had planned and forgot about the incident despite feeling a bit embarrassed. She would be done soon anyways and simply wanted to finish what she had planned for the day.
No Other Option
The Conversation
Sarah decided to work on her abs, she went to the back corner of the gym as she was still a bit humiliated and knew no-one would see her over there. This was when another employee came up to her. This time, the employee requested that she put her shirt back on. Now, Sarah was simply confused, she simply told the employee that she was wearing a shirt. It is not like she removed any clothing between the time the other employee chatted to her and this one.
The Conversation
The Staff Member Argued
The employee replied, “no that’s not a shirt. You have to wear a whole shirt.” Sarah responded by asking, “how is this not a shirt?” The employee of the gym explained that Sarah needed to wear a full shirt at this gym, her shirt was not considered a “whole” shirt. Sarah was taken aback once again but more than that she was rather embarrassed, to be told that in front of other people and in a public place is hurtful.
The Staff Member Argued
Continued On
The gym employe continued to tell Sarag that if she had an issue with the request that their “boss” is always around and available. Sarah chuckled, and told the employee that if he was being serious he can feel free to send the “boss” her way. At this point she thought that they may have been joking around with her. She had never had this problem before and could not believe they were being serious.
Continued On
The Manager
This is when Sarah saw yet another employee walking towards her, this time it was actually the manager of the college gym. The manager reiterated what the other employees had told her- if she did not change her top she would be kindly asked to leave the gym. Sarah, went red, she was totally humiliated. The gym had other students there and this was happening in front of them, she had every right to feel ashamed.
The Manager
Referred To As Boss
The manager of the gym said once again, “I need you to put on a shirt or I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.” Sarah repeated herself, “But I have a shirt on.” He wasn’t having it. He said, “Are you gonna put a shirt on?” He was now changing his tone and getting angry at her. She had no other shirt and simply wanted to complete her workout, which by now she may have probably been done with anyways.
Referred To As Boss
Gym Clothes
Fitness and activewear is something that is usually easy to wear, comfortable and sometimes does show a little skin not only for fashion purposes but also so heat can escape. Crop tops and high-waisted leggings are normal amongst the gym wear trends of today. Nevermind today, gym wear of all decades has boasted a tight-fit, colorful pieces and often even more revealing clothing than that of what she was actually wearing.
Gym Clothes
Conducted Wrong
Totally humiliated, Sarah had no choice but to leave the gym. This is certainly no way to handle such a situation, from the gym’s side it was unprofessional of the employees. The employees truly could have said and asked what they were in a better tone for one but also should have explained the gyms policy correctly. Additionally, they could have pulled hr aside rather than doing it in front of the whole gym. Well, this was not done and Sarah was not going to be silent about it.
Conducted Wrong
Taking It To Media
Sarah went home and decided she would take out her frustrations in a social media post. to Facebook she went. Naturally, she was angry but also really humiliated and embarrassed. Sarah discussed how she was wearing athletic wear and even if she was in a sports bra it was still considered athletic wear. Thus, it should have been allowed and she should not have been treated how she was.
Taking It To Media