Is it fair to criticise the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge?
Your support helps us to tell the story
In my reporting on women's reproductive rights, I've witnessed the critical role that independent journalism plays in protecting freedoms and informing the public.
Your support allows us to keep these vital issues in the spotlight. Without your help, we wouldn't be able to fight for truth and justice.
Every contribution ensures that we can continue to report on the stories that impact lives
![Kelly Rissman](https://static.independent.co.uk/static-assets/support-us/kelly-rissman.png)
Kelly Rissman
US News Reporter
Depsite being known among cynics as "clicktivism", or "slacktivism", over the last several years web campaigning has become a huge focus for many charities.
The latest campaign to grab the world's attention — and ire — is the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which has seen countless celebrities (and normal folk) pour cold water over themselves to raise awareness and money for motor neurone disease (MND).
So far the campaign is reported to have raised almost $80m; yet not everyone is behind it. The Independent's Tom Peck has argued that the world's limited generosity is being wasted on the challenge, and that it is failing to raise awareness. "Unfortunately, almost none of [the celebrities taking part] manage to take a second out from all the hilarity to state what the whole thing is about, before whacking the clip on Youtube," he writes.
But not everyone agrees. Writing for Vice last week, Angelina Fanous — who was recently diagnosed with MND at the age of 29 — attacked those who were criticising the campaign. "All the cynics who want people to donate in humility and not post it on our social media feeds completely overlook the fundamental reality that humans are social animals," she writes.
But what do you think? Is the Ice Bucket Challenge a lazy example of "clicktivism", or is it an effective way to raise money and awareness for a worthwhile cause? Let us know by taking our poll below:
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments