ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Controversy (SSR)
ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Controversy Article
A lot of controversy has been happening over the recent ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, and I wanted to put my opinion out to everyone. People are arguing that the challenge is ridiculous, stupid, and it is probably not "safe" to do due to the drastic, sudden change in temperature because of the ice. If someone feels that they are going to be in danger if they participate in the challenge, then they do not have to do it. If someone does not wish to participate, then they also do not have to. It should be something fun to spread awareness of a disease that many people did not know ever existed. I think that it is great that people have been spreading awareness. People should know about the different illnesses people deal with everyday. Also, I think that all of the money that they have raised for patients with ALS is great. Nobody is forced to pay money, and even if someone does not complete the challenge, they are not forced to donate by anyone.
I think that the challenge should stay just that, a challenge. Challenging people to step outside their realm of thinking and considering the hardships of others is a challenge that I am willing to accept, and I hope that others are too. The Ice Bucket Challenge is simply the visual representation of something so much greater than dumping ice water on our heads. It is a representation of acknowledging that we do not want people struggling with ALS to feel alone. People have learned more about the disease and have therefore become more aware of what it is. I think that the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has done more good than bad, and that people have learned about something that normally they would know nothing about.
Those that create controversy over something like this challenge seem to act childish, almost uninformed. I agree with you 100% when you say that the challenge should remain a challenge, and if you feel in danger nobody is forcing you to participate. Dumping ice water on your head to raise money for a cause is a great way to spread awareness of a disease, like you said. It is somewhat pathetic to complain if you got nominated, as you don't have to participate and the challenge itself is harmless. ALS is a scary disease that many people know little about, and this small challenge has started a revolution to raise money for ALS research, which is wonderful! This provides an opportunity for those with this terrifying disease to feel supported and loved, as they realize how many people care. Because it is such a horrible disease, many people do not like to address how bad it truly is. This makes the diagnosed feel alone and isolated. This challenge has helped with making this disease known, and has raised nearly $22 million. This is definitely a step in the right direction, and hopefully a cure will be found soon.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely love this post. There is truth to it, and it's something that all of us need. The ALS ice bucket challenge is to help raise awareness for this horrible disease, not just some random facebook "like" or instagram "double tap". It irritates me when people complain about the challenge. The dumping of ice is to simulate the actual feeling of the disease (maybe only mild, but still). The challenge is still going strong with raising over 60 million now! I did the challenge about two weeks ago, and donated as well! Hopefully, the cure for this disease will be discovered soon!
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