Field of Deets

Do you ever think about the charitable phrase "...to raise awareness of..." like in the context, "I'm wearing this black bracelet to raise awareness of left handed people who drink too heavily and make pizzas at their part time job."

What does that really mean? What are they really trying to do? I applaud people's intent and efforts but they are really futile.

How is a person wearing a certain color bracelet going to help me be more aware of some terminal disease?

And what is awareness? And how does people being aware aid those that the cause is supposed to be aiding?

I suppose that the more people who are aware, the more people who will help out. But why not focus the energy of creating awareness on creating help, recruiting volunteers and donations?

I was aware of breast cancer, sexual assault, and gay rights long before the bracelets showed up. And now that they have, nothing as changed for me. Yep, I still know they exist, thanks for pointing that out. Good work, noble member of society. Do the bracelets do anything to change much for anyone? Nope.

Here is what "creating awareness" does: It makes those wearing the bracelets feel good about themselves. It allows them to feel like they are making a difference by doing very, very little work, putting forth very little effort, and donating very little money. The only good thing these bracelets do is raise a little money for the causes. The people wearing them really aren't doing shit.

Sorry all you wannabe do-gooders. Do better next time. Stop kidding yourselves.

Until You Do.