Yesterday, I saw a post by Oliver Blanchard called The Occasional Ugliness of the Social Web. Blanchard details how many people in the online world are saying that the tragedy in Japan is warranted because they should be punished for Pearl Harbor.
Think about that for a moment.
In hearing about this, and in talking to friends, I was advised that maybe silence is not the best answer. Maybe making our voices heard and our wallets open is the way to go. So here is my idea.
The American Red Cross has set up a causes page for Japan. This morning, they had about 1,750 promoters. I’d like to get that number up to 20,000 people. Not all of it will be from us, but we can at least help spread the word.
Can we see them reach that goal by Friday?
Let’s try it. Let’s prove that not everyone is using Social Media to spread filth, hatred, and bigotry. Just the opposite, in fact.
Are you with me?
Thought I’d toss an idea out there.
How would you feel about going Social Media silent on Friday to mark the 1 week anniversary of this horrible series of events in Japan?
It won’t do anything except give us a little time to think about how we can help and how we can possibly wrap our arms around what is going on there.
To spread the word, please use #silenceforJapan.
Thank you.
What a beautiful idea Marjorie. I’m going to suggest this to all my friends.. but may I add another suggestion. we all blog or say what we intend to do on Thursday so there is not just silence on Friday
Hi Carol,
Thanks for the comment!
Actually, my idea has changed a bit in the wake of a post by Olivier Blanchard (The Brand Builder). Apparently people are saying that this is Japan’s punishment for Pearl Harbor, so I don’t think silence is the best answer – I think we need to make ourselves hear.
I’m going to update this on my blog now 🙂
Disinformation and faux pronouncements will always be peddled by those who wish to sow chaos and pain. Best to ignore them. Our reactions fuel their phlegm, er, flames.
Now is a time for genuine action to bring some good and spread some real awareness.