Short Description: I did the ice thing. Essay: As you may discern from the title of this video, I have been nominated through social media for the massively popular ice bucket challenge. Its about time, given the viral nature of the phenomenon. Before commencing any type of the expected water antics, I would just like to remind everyone of this movements intentions, which is to raise awareness of a disease which demands attention from the community. How do you raise awareness? Hook people on through clever entertainment. That essential element of entertainment comes from viewing the slightly comical shock reaction of dousing by particularly cold water. Plus, it makes the challenger feel good about themselves for going through a little struggle for a good cause. Critics complain that it is sad that it takes something so ridiculous and ego-based to raise awareness for ALS, but it has without a doubt worked very well and thats great. There are many other issues that demand the same social awareness, but the one with the best marketing strategy wins. Unfortunately, you can only watch so many videos of ice bucketing before the element of entertainment becomes stale. The point of the bucket is to amuse and encourage participation; however, the videos have gotten so repetitive and predictable by now that their function has ceased. You probably are skipping the beginning of the video right now to watch the fun part, if you even bothered to watch it. Doing this is more of a social obligation now than anything. The challenge gives people the opportunity to look active and considerate in front of all their social media followers. If I dont take the challenge I will suffer the label of being a bad person. Dont get me wrong; ALS is definitely an issue deserving of attention and research and I have all sympathy for those affected directly and indirectly. Just keep in mind that mixing your ego and mass media life and celebrity fads into such grave issues can only go so far. So, however successful the bucket challenge has been, I just want to remind everyone not be limited to these fleeting social games in the fight for global wellbeing. Show sympathy in person to those all around you, no matter what ailments and diseases may be afflicting them. I personally think that its better to be a profound positive influence to a few in your local community, than to spread yourself thin trying to change the world with extreme Internet tactics. Okay watch the stupid video now. P.S. We decided on pressuring Jason Williams to do it
Posted on: Fri, 22 Aug 2014 03:41:53 +0000