Two journalists call for “no more ice bucket challenges”
You’ve surely seen it on your Facebook timeline or received a YouTube video of some celebrity dousing themselves in ice water. The ALS Association’s challenge to pour ice water over yourself or donate $100 has certainly gone viral but Will Oremus of Slate and Arielle Pardes of Vice both have a point in suggesting this whole campaign is a lot of hot air (or cold water).
Though Charlie Sheen, instead of dousing himself in ice water, chose to pour $10,000 over his head and announced he’d give it towards the ALS Association’s attempts to find a cure for the neurodegenerative disorder Lou Gehrig’s disease, most partaking have participated purely out of vanity and haven’t given a penny. As Oremus points out, “the charity was an afterthought”.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. It ultimately leads to full muscle paralysis, respiratory failure and death. Only about 20% of people with the disease live more than five years. Instead of dousing ourselves in ice water, if we really believe in this cause, we should all simply make a donation.
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