The Grinch Who Hated On The Ice Bucket Challenge

As with all fun things on the internet, haters show up quickly. And given the recent surge of videos from all ends of society in the name of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, haters are showing up and are doing their best to hate. Now, first let me set the stage: Israel and Gaza are launching rockets at each other and killing hundreds by the week, racial tensions are flying high as a result of the tragedy and response in Ferguson, MO, and anyone who has ever loved laughing is reeling from the loss of Robin Williams. Against that backdrop, people start dumping ice water on themselves in the name of a good cause and encouraging their friends to do so as well.

A chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves.

An excuse to laugh with some family while putting yourself through a moment of discomfort in the name of good cause.

An opportunity to have some fun, pass on the fun to others, and raise awareness for a disease that isn't quite as sexy as cancer or diabetes.

(And for what it is worth, I think I did a pretty decent job with my attempt.)

People who I haven't seen on social media in a long time jumped back on to be a part of something that captured their attention. Companies and corporations made it an event their top executives were the victims of. People went up the societal food chain and made the asks of people a couple pay grades above them.  By most accounts, it was something that didn't require picking a side.

Until the trolls showed up.

Because it is the internet.

The trolls always show up.

And publish articles called "Dumping a bucket of ice on your head doesn't make you a philanthropist." 

Really? No shit sherlock.

People claimed this is just "hashtag journalism" and another "attempt by Millennials to feel good about themselves."

Or another way to look at it is this:

If I am doing the math correctly, that is almost a 600% increase in donations. An increase that didn't cost the ALS Association anything more than the price of that first YouTube video.

In a time when there are so many things wrong with the world, those of you hating on something going well for the world might need to get your heart checked, Grinch style.

If you haven't been challenged to join in on this great cause and really fun movement, let me know in the comments and I'll dump more ice water on my head and challenge you to do the same. If you are interested in joining me in financially supporting the ALS Association, here is the link: http://www.alsa.org/donate/

Rantsandy ellwood