[Tl;dr: (short version) ALS bucket challenge is good, it just needs some tweaks] So two days ago, Marielle nominated me for the ALS challenge. I have well surpassed the time limit due to a combination of laziness and difficulty with how to do the disease some justice considering all perspectives, but mostly laziness...Initially, Ill admit, I reacted by pretentiously informing Mar and Katie of the controversy that surrounds viral awareness campaigns that perpetuate slacktivism ( I.e. The #nomakeup selfie campaigntheguardian/commentisfree/2014/mar/21/no-make-up-selfie-facebook-beat-cancer-research-meme). Many reacted to the no make up selfie campaign by questioning whether the result( rise in donations) really justified the means( offending real cancer victims). Cancer victims spoke out with frustration over the implications that simply posting a makeup less picture of your face was supposed to relate to the reality of a person battling cancer. The problem was mainly with not requesting real support and thus simply leaving empty hashtags and narcissism that end up offending the very people it aims to help. After criticism, the movement shifted and included pleas to donate along with a selfie, leading to a surge in donations. Now back to ALS...After reading some more on the subject from multiple perspectives, I have come to the conclusion that while there is definite merit to peoples qualms with the ALS ice bucket challenge as a potentially narcissistic action, at the end of the day, it has helped raise 2.3 million for the ALS association since July 29.The qualms are valid, but sarcastic remarks telling participants that this is bad and they should feel bad is not productive. Future campaigns should definitely pay attention to the implications and perhaps begin suggesting at least $10 rather than using a bucket to evade contribution( like it has evolved to include). Even if something begins with some misguidance, people participating should not be shamed for trying to help and for successfully catalyzing an unprecedented spike in awareness and actual monetary support. Rather, they should simply be educated (not ridiculed with snarky self righteous criticism-like how I reacted).Yes, maybe many may end up doing it for the wrong reasons and neglect to even look up what ALS means, but regardless, the message is being received and this heartbreaking disease is gaining unprecedented support and social awareness, and that should be celebrated. The use of viral media for social justice should never be shamed. It should be encouraged but also well informed in a way that gives justice to the cause itself without alienating people when they try to spread some good on social media. Im sorry it took so long to post this, but with no further ado, I would like to nominate my family, Margaret Oas, Doug Oas, and Robin OasHere are some helpful links about ALS and how to contribute: alsa.org/about-als/facts-you-should-know.html ninds.nih.gov/disorders/amyotrophiclateralsclerosis/detail_ALS.htm .
Posted on: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 20:56:15 +0000
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