Ice Buckets.

I had a discussion about this the other day, and have decidedly mixed feelings now. On one hand, donations are undeniably way up because of this meme. On the other hand, most people who do it don't donate.

The reality of the situation, grim as it is, is that ALS has no cure and does not see a cure on the horizon. No one is especially close to one. So I can see the logic of the Ice Bucket Challenge meme- more money and raised public awareness to a little-discussed medical issue may ultimately trump lots of money but little public interest or awareness. ALS is not as flashy and well-marketed as cancer, which is impossible to avoid both in terms of knowing someone who has it, and in terms of its marketing schemes. Without the Ice Bucket Challenge, I'd venture to say the majority of mainstream America would not even care about ALS right now.

You have these huge celebrities like Oprah who are doing it (which is great) but you know she's also GIVING MONEY.

Maybe the celebs who do it could start out holding a check saying this is what they're donating for research.

It's not the challenge that's bad but the attitude behind some of the participants. Some people don't even mention ALS when taping or posting. And some certainly do not donate.

Those who can't afford to donate but use the video as a way to talk about ALS and spread awareness ARE helping. But last week I had to google "Ice Bucket Challenge" because I had no idea what the purpose of it was.

To me, THAT is the problem with it. My cast and I are thinking about doing one and collecting donations after each performance. But between you and me, I'd rather just do the latter. :P

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What about Mrs. Goth?

I have always loved Michael Cerveris, but I have never loved him more.

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I totally agree, PJ.

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"I feel like I could get behind this more if the money was being spread around a bit."

Yes, it is strange how this ALS promotion only benefits ALS, just like every other unique thing associated to other charities only benefits those charities. I realize this has barely been around for a full two years, and only a viral sensation for a few whole weeks, but yes, it is a bit greedy for ALS to be getting so much attention for such a short period of time while raising money to help people.

I can't wait for Roxy to respond to this saying he can't see it.

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I was FURIOUS when my best friend from high school challenged me this weekend, but then I did it and enjoyed it. I think what makes this so successful is the fact that it's not just donating, but passing it along and feeling a connection to the event. And yes...I donated.

When you DO donate, it's a very noble thing you're doing. But again, the majority of people out there posting videos of themselves doing this A) Are not donating money B) Have no real idea what ALS is & C) Are just trying to get as many "likes" as they can for it.

How do you know this, Jordan?! That's a pretty broad declaration to make, and I would argue that it's untrue.

Don't like it. Don't participate. But, why the need to rip it to shreds?

EDITED to remove the unbecoming part of my post. The statements remain true. If you're not interested in something don't participate.

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Updated On: 8/18/14 at 11:59 AM

Maybe this is something many people deal with...

I direct everyone's attention to this: (Spend the few minutes watching the entire thing)



A woman living with ALS speaks

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Updated On: 8/18/14 at 12:22 PM

Melissa Etheridge's video was pretty fun. At least this has people talking. I don't have the money to donate at this time, but I do appreciate that so many people are.
Melissa & her kids

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