My #NoIceBucketChallenge response to the #IceBucketChallenge. Thanks Anna Morrison, gracias Laurita Jimenez, for the nominations, and for giving me a reason to play devil’s advocate and share my thoughts which otherwise probably would have been kept silent! You guys are tops for enduring the big freeze! But this is why I will not grace you all with what would probably be a hilarious attempt at the #IceBucketChallenge. Disclaimer: this is my personal opinion and is not directed at any individual or group, and it is also unrelated to my work. Motor Neurone Disease is an awful condition and well deserving of the $30million plus that has been raised for the #ALS through this challenge. I think any cause that individuals decide to support is valid, as are the reasons behind their giving. However, while I do love a good viral craze running rife on the interwebs, it needs to be said that...wait for it...totally radical idea here... YOU DONT NEED TO THROW ICE ON YOUR HEAD TO DONATE TO CHARITY! There. I said it. Call me a killjoy, but at least hear me out. I’m not judging those who have followed through, but there are many reasons why I don’t entirely love this, and here are just a few. The idea that we are obligating one another to participate in the #IceBucketChallenge or else risk becoming some sort of cyber-outcast, really makes me question the ethics of the challenge. Surely its better to give merely because its the right thing to do, rather than because the entire Internet is telling you to? It sickens me that celebrities and public figures see this as a PR opportunity. Youre not a philanthropist if you need to publicise how charitable you are. And you dont suddenly become one by donating $100 (Id like to think theyd donate a lot more) or by throwing ice over your head to avoid having to fork out (I realise many people do both). By publicly declaring our charitable acts, we are giving ourselves moral license to do less good in the future. I’m not saying it’s wrong to share such acts if it truly makes you happy, proud, whatever. But this type of giving trend is dangerous and damaging, and breeding complacency among well-intentioned people. There are so many great causes out there that need attention and awareness, and being truly altruistic is about making educated choices about where you will direct your dollars. So here’s a challenge. Give because you want to and don’t share it. With anyone. Encourage others to do the same if you feel strongly about it, but feel good because you did the right thing and that’s all. Check out the #RubbleBucketChallenge and see why people in #Gaza need your attention as well. They can’t use ice, because water is hard to come by. Save your water and donate to one of the many causes that are delivering access to clean water in developing communities around the world. Look for the causes that call to you, research which charities are in need of funding and donate for the good of giving, not for a Facebook-fuelled ego boost. That is all. I believe I made the 24-hour time limit. Rant over.
Posted on: Thu, 28 Aug 2014 12:07:40 +0000
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