This raised quite an interesting debate in my household ... my 13 yr old daughter was very moved by this video, to the point of wanting to send her own hard-earned money to support the cause. That's a very noble gesture for a kid who earns her money through odd jobs at $6 an hour, and makes a dad proud. But this was just as the viral sensation started, and being very cynical of most everything online, I refused to help her make the donation until we did more research. That did not go over well, as she had made up her mind ... and so the debate became about critical thinking, doing research, then making an informed opinion.
12 hours later, this is on every mainstream news channel ... highlighting the cause and also the question marks about their charity. Back at home, amidst all the researching and debating, her keen-ness to donate has weakened now probably won't happen.
I'm still unsure if this particularly charity is a good one to support or not ... there are pros and cons. If you want to help African children directly, there are much better established and transparent charities you could donate to. But supporting this charity isn't a bad thing either ... because generating 30m hits in 24 hours may be the most amazing viral marketing feat yet ... and if they are willing to put that energy into good causes, that alone is worth supporting and maintaining, regardless of how much ends up with the end cause. [there's also the % game....if 70% of $10m total went to expenses, but if they now bring in $100m in new donations with the same expenses, that 70% drops to 7%]
But anyways, in the end what I'm left with is maybe some sadness ... because the spark my daughter had for this cause is now replaced by a little cynicism, in questioning their motives, etc. A little bit of innocence lost and some youthful vigour quashed by the middle aged jaded outlook. There's something to be said for that ... the rebellious and idealistic spirit of the young, even if not perfectly directed, is something to behold ... have to keep that fire burning, just try to point it in a positive direction.
And because this is a fishing forum, I'll bring it back to that .... what does all this say about a bunch of (mostly) old farts on here bitching and moaning about fishing regulation and conservation? [I include myself in that group....so no flames!] Maybe sometimes healthy debate becomes unhealthy, analysis becomes paralysis, and just doing something or anything active is good ... good for the spirit and good for the soul. Hmm.
End so endeth the sermon....Friday afternoon....time for a drink methinks.
