Ahh the ALS ice bucket challenge. Some love it, some hate it. As you can probably guess (considering I made one myself), I actually think its a very good idea. It's difficult to take part in this discussion without stepping on anyone's toes because people feel very strongly about the side they sit on.
One way, you'll be insensitive to those who suffer from the disease or know someone how is diagnosed with it. The other way, you may appear foolish to those who believe it's a stupid way of raising awareness.
One way, you'll be insensitive to those who suffer from the disease or know someone how is diagnosed with it. The other way, you may appear foolish to those who believe it's a stupid way of raising awareness.
Where do I sit about all of this?
I think in this day where even the elders are all over social media (my grandfather just got a Facebook account), it's impossible for a challenge like this to not spread. It's such an optimal outlet for something to catch on.
I think this challenge also owes some of its success to timing. Not too long before the ALS ice bucket challenge became "a thing", the No Makeup Selfie had been going around for a while. While that campaign did catch on pretty quickly, it lacked the specificity that the ALS bucket challenged allowed its participants. The No Makeup Selfie challenge was supposed to be to raise awareness for cancer, but failed to provide the average Facebook user with an outlet to donate, volunteer, etc. The ALS challenge seemed to have risen above this issue and learned from the mistakes of the other awareness challenges by passing around a common and unique place where people could go to donate or pass along to others.
I feel so proud for the man who originally started this and I sincerely hope that with all of this extra funding, some of the limitations in ALS research may be overcome.
I think in this day where even the elders are all over social media (my grandfather just got a Facebook account), it's impossible for a challenge like this to not spread. It's such an optimal outlet for something to catch on.
I think this challenge also owes some of its success to timing. Not too long before the ALS ice bucket challenge became "a thing", the No Makeup Selfie had been going around for a while. While that campaign did catch on pretty quickly, it lacked the specificity that the ALS bucket challenged allowed its participants. The No Makeup Selfie challenge was supposed to be to raise awareness for cancer, but failed to provide the average Facebook user with an outlet to donate, volunteer, etc. The ALS challenge seemed to have risen above this issue and learned from the mistakes of the other awareness challenges by passing around a common and unique place where people could go to donate or pass along to others.
I feel so proud for the man who originally started this and I sincerely hope that with all of this extra funding, some of the limitations in ALS research may be overcome.
What are some of the problems people have with this campaign? After seeing around 20 new posts about this challenge daily on Facebook, I have seen my fair share of dislike toward it. Quite commonly, I see people mentioning that it is a complete waste of water and that in helping this cause, you are ignoring those who do not have access to clean water. We're not all saints and contributing toward one cause is better than contributing to none. If you make it part of your daily shower, no harm done right? Others choose not to participate simply because it has become too popular and mainstream for them. That puts a bad taste in my mouth.
I have to admit, I do agree with the people that say that people should find another way to raise awareness because it's a safety hazard. I have seen a lot of videos of people getting hurt and it's a shame that it has to be that way. I hardly see that as a reason to not raise awareness this way at all. In the end it's doing more good than bad.
The only thing I see as a bit of a flaw with the challenge is that it guilts people into donating rather than having them do it from the kindness in their hearts.
However, again I think more good comes of it than bad and that it's a good way of shedding some light on some charities that may be lesser known.
I have to admit, I do agree with the people that say that people should find another way to raise awareness because it's a safety hazard. I have seen a lot of videos of people getting hurt and it's a shame that it has to be that way. I hardly see that as a reason to not raise awareness this way at all. In the end it's doing more good than bad.
The only thing I see as a bit of a flaw with the challenge is that it guilts people into donating rather than having them do it from the kindness in their hearts.
However, again I think more good comes of it than bad and that it's a good way of shedding some light on some charities that may be lesser known.
- Anika ;)