In Defence of the Ice Bucket Challenge

Former US President George Bush takes on the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past few weeks, at some point or another, you will have seen someone dumping a bucket of icy water over their head and jumping around the garden screaming. From opinion-splitting former US President George Bush, to that girl or guy you have on Facebook, who you never speak to, but at the same don’t have the heart to delete them, leaving them just hanging around in the peripheral of your life as someone who shares the odd funny video. You know who you are.

Bearing in mind we’re coming towards to end of Summer in the UK, you’d be forgiven for thinking people were just taking part in this activity in a desperate attempt to stay cool under the blistering sun (I’ve totally oversold the British Summer there haven’t I…)

British Summertime: The Reality

Anyway…no, the Ice Bucket Challenge was a viral campaign started by two philanthropists – one of whom, Corey Griffin, tragically drowned last week (No Ice Buckets were involved) – in aid of Amyotrohic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The original premise being, pay $10 to the charity, or dump the water on your head.

Corey Griffin, Co-founder of the Ice Bucket Challenge

ALS is a terrifying neurodegenerative disease which attacks the nerve cells and spinal cord, often leaving a sufferer unable to speak, swallow and breath, or even fully paralysed, before eventually killing them. At the risk of understating it, it’s clearly a truly awful disease, and one which I, admittedly, and I imagine millions of others hadn’t even heard of until the Ice Bucket Challenges began.

Fortunately, the challenge was an instant hit, attracting a whole host of celebrities to get involved, further spreading the message. So far, the ALS Association has received well in excess of $50 million in donations. To put that into some context, it received $64 million in the whole of 2013, and $2.2 million during the same period last year.

 

“Wow! How amazing that something so simple could raise so much money for a horrendous disease like ALS!”  I hear you cry…well, unfortunately, the Ice Bucket Challenge has also received the cold shoulder from some people. There are three complaints that keep popping up on my news feed every time the Ice Bucket Challenge is mentioned;

1)   “Millions of people are dying of dehydration, what a waste of water!”

Presumably, these are the people who’ve never let the shower run to warm up, or left the tap running while brushing their teeth, or never forgotten they’d made a cup of tea and left it to go cold before pouring it away. Maybe they’re the same people that live by the rule “If it’s yellow, let it mellow. If it’s brown, flush it down.” Urgh. 

Obviously, only the people who are outraged about the Ice Bucket Challenge water wastage know for sure, but I imagine a lot of them have – as unintentional as it may have been – wasted a fair amount of water in their time.

Yes, we the Western World have the luxury of taking for granted what we have, and  that' something that needs to be addressed, but i'd say the $50 million+ raised already goes some way to making this less of a "waste".

Also this particular group of complainers seem to be of the belief that just as a dying African girl was about to take a lovely sip of water from a bucket, Mark Wahlberg and family callously stole it from her, laughing joyously while pouring it over themselves. 

That’s not how this works. There are numerous charity organisation set up solely to help provide water to the under-privileged around the world – by building wells and other sources, not by transporting water from my hosepipe to Africa.     

For those who are clearly incredibly passionate about providing water to Africa, here’s a few websites they can visit, rather than sitting at home, moaning about people pouring water over their heads

https://www.charitywater.org/donate/

http://www.wateraid.org/uk

https://www.oxfam.org.uk/donate/set-up-a-monthly-donation

           

2) “Celebrities are only doing it for the publicity!"       

                                            

Now, with this complaint i’m quite torn. For the most part, I don’t disagree. 

Of course, celebrities jump aboard charity campaigns in order to further their own brand identity. That isn’t something new. 

Year after year we see mediocre pop stars releasing a song for Children in Need, or multi-millionaires begging us to donate a fiver for little Adebola who has to walk five miles for clean water each day.  Of course, it’s horrible that anyone has to live like that (this is where those wells I was talking about come in handy) and in a perfect world, nobody would have to, because the millionaires would have sorted it out, but for whatever reason, that hasn’t happened.

There are those celebrities who do things purely for publicity, but there are also many celebrities who, guess what? Actually care about making the world a better place. They’re only human, after all, even the ones who’ve had more Botox injections than i’ve had Christmas dinners. Even if they haven’t donated any cold, hard cash, thanks to their public following, the trend is spreading further a field and reaching other people’s social media accounts, which can only be a good thing.

3) “People are only doing it for likes"

Sort of a microcosm of the previous complaint really, and justifies itself in the very same way. 

Why shouldn’t you enjoy yourself and feel good about doing your bit for charity? You’re not obliged to do anything. 

I imagine many people on my friend’s list haven’t donated. - I haven’t, mainly because at the moment, i’m so poor a Malawian village are hosting a pop concert in aid of my plight - so what? They’ve helped spread the message. 

The Real Issue

My only problem with the Ice Bucket Challenge, is that I think we should ensure everyone who takes part has just an ounce of common sense, a basic understanding of gravity, and an awareness that water can be actually pretty heavy, especially when dropped on your head.

I dread to think how many have been admitted to A&E after failed attempts like these… I suppose on the plus side, it helps us separate the wheat from the chaff. It's Darwinism in action.

The hype of the Ice Bucket Challenge will inevitably melt away, in the same way the No Make Up Selfie campaign did, but in a time when all we hear is negative stories about Social Media, this is yet another prime example of how effective it can be in kick-starting a hugely successful campaign, and making a positive difference.

All in all, my message to anyone complaining about yet another successful social media campaign in aid of charity, is to fill a bucket with ice and water, pour it over yourself, and metaphorically and literally, chill out! 

So, nominate your friends and family, keep this trend going, and if you do feel inclined to make a financial contribution to an already hugely successful campaign, you can donate here! 

Follow me @danielwalls91

The Sexualisation of Pop Music

Sex sells. Always has, probably always will. But in an age where chart-topping music is so readily available on numerous platforms to listeners of all ages, is music becoming too sexualised for younger listeners?

It’s fair to say that the music industry has a long history of sexualisation. From rock and metal, to soul and funk, to hip-hop and pop, sexually-charged lyrics have played their part in sculpting the mainstream music of today. However, in recent years the sheer amount of overtly sex focused music being rushed along the music industry’s conveyor belt, and being flung out to the all-too-delighted public, has become much more noticeable. You only have to glance at the UK charts to notice the recurring themes from some of the biggest popstars on the planet.

Megastar Rihanna is a major culprit of releasing songs riddled with sexually explicit lyrics. Some of the more conspicuous lines include; “Come here rude boy, boy can you get it up? Come here rude boy, boy is you big enough?” from the song ‘Rude boy’, and “I may be bad, but I’m perfectly good at it, sex in the air, I don’t care, I love the smell of it” from the song ‘S&M’. Both songs have been played to death worldwide since being released, to the point where unless you have lived in complete isolation for the past two years, you – and more importantly, millions of children – will undoubtedly have heard them.

It’s quite bewildering that when playing ‘S&M,’ many radio stations in the UK - Capital FM for example - edit the line “chains and whips excite me”, but yet deem it acceptable to leave the majority of the song unedited, most of which directly mentions sex in a crude and cringe-worthy manner. Surely, the song should be banned from air completely? I mean, if the words “chains” and “whips” are edited out, which to be frank, you would hope most children wouldn't even understand the connotation of, then how are direct references to sex allowed? Why bother at all?

In an age where image and musical talent seem to be of equal importance in the music industry – and let’s face it, image seems to be some popstars’ only attribute – music videos are a highly valuable asset. Not surprisingly, Rihanna’s music videos follow the same theme as her lyrics. Take for example, ‘Rude Boy’, a song dedicated purely to the process of sexual intercourse, featuring a scantily clad Rihanna, gyrating and dancing provocatively with a number of men. Interestingly, out of 218,444,048 YouTube views, the top demographic of viewers is 13-17 year old girls. What a great example being set by someone with such massive influence over the youth. As provocative as ‘Rude Boy’ is, the music video for ‘S&M’ takes things to a whole new level.  It’s like a dodgy porn video you’d only find in the darkest dirtiest depths of the internet. 

However, it seems common sense and decency prevailed with this video, as it was instantly banned in 11 countries, and slapped with an 18+ restriction on YouTube. Which brings up another point, is restricting the audience really the route the music industry wants to go down? Sex might sell, but when the audience is limited, it can also be extremely costly.

In an industry dominated by men, it’s no surprise to see women being displayed like meat in a butcher’s shop window, in an attempt to bring in the big bucks. However, it’s not only female artists promoting sex to the youth, male artists are just as guilty. 

Boyband One Direction are an interesting case in point. With a core fanbase of girls aged between 8 - 15, their debut single ‘What Makes You Beautiful’ about a girl who doesn’t realise how attractive she is, struck a chord with the fans and propelled them to top of the charts.  However, their latest single, ‘Live While We’re Young’ takes a giant leap from flirty, to downright filthy. The premise of the song is about persuading a girl to comply with a one-night stand, peddling the message, “Tonight let’s get some, and live while we’re young.” As a group of 19-20 year old boys, some may argue it’s just natural for them to have a cheeky attitude, but considering the average age of their fans, and the influence they have, this song definitely leaves a bad taste.

It's quite clear that something needs to change within the music industry. There was a time when popstars being suggestive about sex was enough to create controversy, take for example the banning of Relax by Frankie goes to Hollywood in the mid 80s. However, we seem to have segued into an age where things are now spelled out for us so explicitly, that there’s no escaping it. Is this the world we want our children to grow up in? Surely it’s time for some form of boundary was put in place. At a time where teenage pregnancy is still on the rise in the UK, maybe it’s time to start looking at who the youth are influenced by, and the messages being conveyed to them.

Twitter: @danielwalls91

Qatarstrophic Decision

UEFA President Michel Platini is adamant that he wants to reschedule the 2022 World Cup in Qatar to winter because temperatures can reach up to 50°C in summer. When the ludicrous decision to let what is essentially a sandbox host arguably one of the biggest sporting events in the world, a statement on the Qatari bid site read: 

So basically, the plan was to build air-conditioned stadiums so that spectators and players could cope in the blistering middle-eastern heat. But now, apparently that plan isn't good enough for Platini, who has now said:

First of all, I can't help think he's being very optimistic thinking that there's going to be a lot of fans there. Who in their right mind would want to travel over 3000 miles to a country with not much to offer other than an abundance of oil?

In regards to this quote, it seems a fair point. However, the problem which either Mr Platini hasn’t considered or he’s simply not bothered about, is the fact that all the countries competing will have to change their season schedule to have an extended winter break. The way the World Cup has always worked, is that, holding it in summer, means that players have the short break from the long previous season, and are then able to train with the national team and improve match fitness. But with Platini’s ‘genius’ plan, Premier League players will play between August to November, then have a month long break to head to Qatar, then come back, and continue with the domestic league. It’s just not logical. Managers need to be with the players every week to train and come up with new tactics. To just break that system off for a month could have a crippling effect on clubs. Of course, not only the players who are lucky enough to be selected for their national team will be affected, but also the ones who aren't. I presume they’re just supposed sit around, and do some personal training for a month, and then instantly gain match fitness again when the rest of the players return. 

The moment when millions of people worldwide said "WHAT?!"

The way things are looking, with the amount of controversy surrounding the whole event; it seems the 2022 World Cup has the potential to be an absolute washout. Whether it’s allegations about bribery, disillusionment at the sheer fact Qatar won the bid, worries about the laws of the country (We Brits know that beer and football go hand in hand), and now this. I can’t help but think the fan turnout will be extremely poor.

Here’s a clip of Ian Holloway talking about the same subject. I have a lot of respect for him, and at times, it seems like he's the only person left in football, that really cares about the way the game has and is still going in.

And here's the standard of football we can look forward to seeing from the Qatari National squad:

Thanks for taking the time to read, and i'd love to hear other people's opinions on the subject.

Follow me at @danielwalls91

The Falsification of Celebrity Culture

There was a time when being a celebrity meant you had to have achieved greatness in a particular field. Whether it was through blockbusting movies, chart-topping hits, or having great foot-eye coordination, like Lionel Messi, the public could be inspired. 

Of course, that idea of celebrity hasn’t completely died out, and some of the biggest stars of today fit into those criteria. However, a new form of celebrity has been created. Our television screens have been bombarded with faux reality shows, such as The Only Way is Essex, Made in Chelsea and Geordie Shore.

The Cast of Geordie Shore

There has always been people who are famous just for knowing other famous people, usually labelled 'Socialites', the likes of Paris Hilton and Kim Kardashian spring to mind. However, as US culture continues to hop the pond and have an effect on British culture, since the birth of these "faux reality" shows, the same pattern is emerging here.

I call them “faux reality” because that’s exactly what it is. ‘TOWIE’ states in its credits “real people in modified situations, saying unscripted lines but in a structured way". So basically, the producers have scripted the basics of what they want to happen, and the “real people” (also debatable, as most of them have fake boobs, lips, personalities, and put David Dickinson’s skin tone to shame) have to imagine what they would say if that situation ever occurred in their real life. That's acting a part. It's almost like they're performing a parody of themselves. 

The popularity of these shows has resulted in absolute nobodies receiving a lot of media attention and publicity, for doing absolutely nothing of any worth. The mainstream media has created celebrities out of nothing, in a similar way to how Victor Frankenstein created ‘The Monster’, only these reality show celebrities have a lot more fake tan and a lot less brain cells.

Because of the media attention, these faux celebrities are now worshipped by many teenagers, simply because they’re in the public eye. They attend student club nights and stand on a stage waving and having pictures taken with people. They don’t actually do anything, they’re there to look good, you could put a cardboard cut-out of Joey Essex on a stage and it would probably show the same amount of personality and intelligence. One of my favourite examples of Joey Essex’s lack of intellect is this question from Celebrity Juice. 

The men of the faux reality shows are pioneers of the clothing I talk about on my first blog.  They’re essentially shaven chimps that have been thrown through Topman and appeared on the other side wearing exactly what everybody else is wearing. All in all, they’re the sort of celebrities who are popular for a year or so, and will be forgotten about when the “next big thing” appears on our televisions.

To much disbelief, ‘TOWIE’ managed to pick up a BAFTA in 2011, albeit the YouTube Audience prize. In all honesty, looking at the nominations, the award was a choice between two TV shows, ‘TOWIE’, featuring girls who wear too much make-up, and cast members that can barely string a sentence together in standard English, or ‘Big Fat Gypsy Wedding’, featuring girls who wear too much make-up, and cast members that can barely string a sentence together in standard English.  I don’t think I can sum up my feelings about the result winning any better than Martin Freeman did following the announcement. 

This admiration for idiots in the UK stems from the success of US TV shows like Jersey Shore. A show featuring a woman so moronic, I’m not sure how she’s survived to reach her mid-twenties. That’s right it’s ‘Snooki’. In all honesty, I haven't seen much Jersey Shore, only clips, but quotes like this tell me everything I need to know.

 Yeah, you know, as opposed to animals that are dead when you kill them...

There’s also a cast member called Mike who has given himself the nickname “The Situation”. I can only assume the “situation” he’s talking about, is something to do with spending too long on Tanning beds.

Overall, due to the huge amount of faux reality shows on our screens, unrelenting media attention, and droves of fans, this throwaway television, or “Flumpf telly” as Karl Pilkington describes it, is here to stay. This is the mark our generation will leave on history. 

Fashion Impossible

Welcome to my first blog on Walls’ Street Journal. If you’ve accidentally stumbled across this page whilst searching for America’s most popular newspaper, the Wall Street Journal, I suggest you make a swift return to Google, as you will probably be extremely disappointed. For anyone reading this through choice, thank you very much for your time, and I hope you find it entertaining. But if it turns out to be about as entertaining as ‘Friends’ spin-off ‘Joey’, I will delete it, forever deny it existed, and hope it never comes up in conversation again. A little bit like when BNP leader Nick Griffin tried to deny saying this.

So I have decided to make my first blog quite light-hearted, and base it on the recent fashion trends that are spreading across the UK like chicken pox in a nursery.

It seems like you can’t go anywhere nowadays without seeing people sporting Snapback hats. Snapbacks were a common sight in the early 90's hip-hop scene, but have recently made a huge comeback. I only really began to notice the trend reappearing after British ‘hip-hop’ duo, Rizzle Kicks, burst onto the mainstream music scene. The Snapback has become so popular, that it has a song dedicated to its existence.

The main purpose of this song is to answer the burning question on everyone’s mind, “Yo brudda, what hat’s dat?" But seeing the rate that this trend has caught on makes me wonder how anyone can not know the answer to that question. Next time you go through your city centre, count the amount of Snapbacks you see. If you see less than 15, your city clearly isn't cool and trendy.

Another trend that has started appearing wherever you look is mens t-shirts emblazoned with a half naked woman. I'm not really sure where this urge to become a walking ‘Lads Mag’ has come from, but here’s my opinion. Now, I’m sure I’m not the only straight guy to admit that if there’s a picture of an attractive half naked woman in eye-shot, I will definitely have a cheeky look, it’s just natural. So this begs the question why straight guys would choose to wear these t-shirts, unless their intention is to attract the attention of other straight guys. I can’t decide whether they just haven’t realised that that’s the only sort of attention they’ll get, or whether they simply enjoy male attention…

Chinos are probably the most common item of clothing in the UK at the moment. The Chino Army seems to grow by the day, and I can unashamedly say I am one of them. But I do feel sympathy for the old blokes who've been rocking Chinos for years with no recognition, when they were quite clearly the trend setters here. Like I say, I don’t have much against Chinos, especially as I own some myself, but the one thing that bugs me are the saggy mustard coloured ones that make people walk like they haven’t made it to the toilet in time. Not a good look.

I've also begun to notice that a lot of guys have started wearing huge boots, that quite frankly should only ever be seen either on a battlefield or in a wrestling ring. And unless you intend on body slamming someone in the middle of the street, I don’t see the point in them.  To me it screams “I was going to join the army, but I’m too scared, so I’ll just stick with the boots.”

A lot of these fashion trends seem to have sprung up with the introduction of boy bands like JLS and The Wanted, who all look as though they’ve just taken part in River Island’s interpretation of Supermarket Sweep, and grabbed everything they could possibly carry.

It shows the huge influence that mainstream music and media have over what is seen as fashionable at any given time. If you look back through history, you will see that this has always been the way. But recently, unlike previous decades, there now seems to be only one dominant style. Take the 80s for example, there was punk, mod, skinhead, metalhead, hip-hop and so many more, and although these obviously still exist in today’s society, the ‘Hipster’ style or ‘Spice boy’ style (as one of my friends describes it), is clearly dominating.

And I think the thing that annoys me most about recent fashion trends, is the fact that children as young as 9 are wearing Jack Wills gilets, chinos, huge hi-tops and snapback hats. I don’t understand what happened to childhood, at age 9 I was still donning flashing trainers and Power Rangers t-shirts. Again, I think this transformation has come about through the constant reminder of child celebrities like teenage ‘heart-throb’ Justin Bieber. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say the only solace I can take from this bite-size, pre-pubescent pop-tart’s quite frankly ridiculous rise to fame,  is the fact that it’s almost a certainty that he’ll have a mental breakdown before he hits 40. 

Thanks for reading, any feedback would be welcomed :) 

follow me on Twitter @danielwalls91 to see more of this sort of pointless ranting, and abusive tweets I occasionally send to Piers Morgan.