“You may never know what results come from your actions. But if you do nothing, there will be no result.” ―Mahatma Gandhi
This past weekend, I attended a major sporting event with my 12-year old son, Salem. Here’s the selfie to prove it. It was a close game. And our team won in dramatic fashion.
If you’ve ever attended a sporting event (especially football), you know the fans in attendance can be quite passionate at times.
The overweight, 30-year old man next to me criticized the coach the entire game for not calling the right plays. Apparently, a play-action pass would guarantee a score on almost every play. Never mind the fact that the actual coach had probably spent 60+ hours watching film and meticulously planning for this game… apparently the guy next to me knew more.
Meanwhile the 50-year old woman behind us with the raspy voice knew, somehow, that the referees had a bias against our team. Every call they made against the home team was wrong and I lost count how many times they didn’t call a penalty on the other guys. The fact that we were 22 rows up and the refs were within feet of the players didn’t seem to bother her… apparently she saw everything better than the trained professionals.
But I’ll leave those thoughts aside for now. There are probably some life lessons to be drawn about leadership and criticism and humility, but maybe I will save them for another time.
During the game, on this particular afternoon, I was struck by our propensity to applaud others. It seems we are a people who love to cheer.
We are quick to clap and stand and whistle when people accomplish great feats. We applaud enthusiastically at athletic events, musical venues, dramatic performances, spacecraft landings, and even product launches.
Applause is important to us. It allows us to express appreciation, offer encouragement, and even affect the outcome of sporting events. It makes us feel like we are part of the action… and that is where applause can become deceptive.
Applause is not the same as participation—at least, not in all cases. But I fear that often times, we confuse the two.
Recently, Fast Company published an article about advocacy based on a study conducted by Cone Communications. The study revealed that 60% of Americans believe tweeting or posting information online is an effective form of advocacy or support. While activism used to require making a donation, volunteering time, or signing a petition, in today’s world, “activism” has become as simple as clicking a button.
And while the study is quick to point out that ‘liking’ or ‘tweeting’ about a social cause does help raise awareness, less than 35% of respondents who supported a cause online could point to an actual donation made to the same cause. Applause has become confused with participation.
Alison DaSilva, executive vice president of Cone Communications, sums it this way, “It’s no surprise we’re seeing a gap between the actions Americans say they’d like to take online and what they’re actually doing; considering the bulk of online activities offered today are focused on more passive actions, such as watching a video or ‘liking’ a social page.”
Cheering for a cause is rarely the same as participating in it. (tweet that)
Recently, the Ice Bucket Challenge made a big splash on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube. According to some data about the campaign, more than 90% of the people mentioning it (posting themselves being doused or passing on the word) did not make a financial donation to support actual research on the disease.
Seth Godin called it slacktivism.
Were there benefits to the campaign? Sure. In fact, millions of dollars were raised for ALS research and related organizations. Applause does have its place.
So cheer on charity. Retweet and Like those organizations that are working to make a difference and overcome injustice in our world. Enthusiastically applaud those who are doing important work.
But don’t forget that most charities need more than your applause. They need your time. They need your money. And they need your expertise.
They need you to step off the sideline and get into the game.
Gail says
Reminds me of your recent post when you cautioned us not to confuse intent with action. I like how you remind us that it is in the doing that our goals and intentions are achieved.
E says
I am applauding this article. Hardy-har-har. No, really – fantastic job. Brilliant post.
David Tisdale says
I had a conversation a long time ago with some friends about “pick your passion”. This article reminded me of that. In a nutshell, I was trying to get the idea across that there are so many causes out there that it’s important as an individual to focus your attention to the 1, or a few, where you feel most strongly. Thus taking a minimalist approach to what causes you are involved in. Over time, your passion might change causes as a result of life events, changes in the country or globally, or a change in your resources for giving, etc.
Today with social media, it seems like 1000’s of causes our in front of us every day. Even checking out of the grocery line or pets mart, you are asked if you would like to donate. We are saturated with give more, do more, be more.
So with a focused approach, we are able to know within ourselves our contributions to our family, community, world. And this may not translate into data for reports like the stray dogs people take in off the street and work hard at finding their family or finding a good home which may take several days/weeks and money to meet their needs along the way. But this minimalist approach, allows us to pass up on the media craze of activism or simply saying no when solicited for a donation. Peace of mind.
Suzie says
There is a reason why they are called “fans.” It is short for fanatics. I used to work for a pro sports team. They also think if the team wore the right colored socks (I am not making this up) we would make to the playoffs. I could tell stories for over an hour about the “interesting” things fans say and do.
I have a local charity that I support. It is an off-shoot of a local church. They work with terminally ill, indigent people. I know where the money is going and that it is spent prudently and wisely. I tried volunteering for a national organization that has several chapters in my State but they never got back to me. I now work two jobs (one full-time, one part-time) after a period of unemployment so I don’t have time to volunteer right now. I don’t answer my phone if I don’t recognize the number. When my father was alive I spent time talking with him about his service in the war (among other things of course). There are many of us out here doing our little bit charity-wise that don’t make a big deal out of it. Re-tweeting or liking something is another way we try to show our support when we have no other way.
Mark Lilly says
I didn’t realize you were here in Phoenix, Joshua. That was a great game. My mother-in-law was even glued to the screen.
Love this article and the points about slacktivism. I think people just need to keep their sense of accomplishment in check after posting a picture of themselves holding a sign up or whatever it is they’re doing.
Tommie Huggins says
Wonderful sentiments and so well said. Thank you.
Chris Avants says
Fantastic blog. As a veteran, I often chuckle at people who simple buy a “Support Our Troops” magnet but have never volunteered or spent time with veterans. This should encourage people to actually participate rather then “cheer” from the sideline. Thanks
LL in Prescott says
I was surprised and impressed by an elderly neighbor who collected small hotel shampoos, soaps, lotions when she traveled and bagged them in Ziplocks with a washcloth. Every time she went downtown to the Courthouse Square, she would give a bag to a homeless person. They were always delighted. The Square is always loaded with people walking their dogs and many carry large dog biscuits to give to the homeless people’s pets that are often there. Giving does not have to be about money.
Hannah says
Helping people in need is generally a kind thing to do, you just got to be wise about who you’re giving things too.
It’s best (from my experience), to volunteer for charity organizations over actually just giving things to strangers.
For instance, yesterday, all in one day, I was running a booth for the Ronald McDonald House, and I had a homeless person I talked to for awhile (completely unrelated with me running the booth.) Instead of giving the homeless guy money, I let him use my phone to call charities that would be able to help him.
The RMH booth was also a success, yesterday was a great day! Awesome post Josh.
And please if any of you would like to read more blogs about minimalism could you check out mine? Thanks!
http://becomingminimalistic.net/