Recently, two nonprofit initiatives creatively employed a blend of childhood nostalgia and colorful language to draw attention to their causes, but they yielded strikingly different results.
Engaging with Nostalgia
To kick things off, there was a delightful moment featuring Leo Fields, the beloved star of the iconic show, “Reading Adventure.” He captivated audiences by reading the wildly popular, now-classic book “Go the F*** to Sleep” during a charity livestream for Extra Life. Who wouldn’t want to tune in for that? Thousands flocked to watch as this cherished figure from our youth—who played a pivotal role in my family’s after-school routine—read a comedic take on sleep struggles, all in the name of supporting a children’s hospital. If he had read something tame like “Dino Adventures,” would as many people have tuned in? Probably not!
A Different Approach
On the flip side, there was a rather NSFW video featuring adorable girls in tutus hurling “F-bombs for Feminism.” While I hesitated to share the link due to some questionable business practices of the organization behind it, I admit that the contrast of pink tutus and fierce language caught my attention. But honestly, as a proud feminist who enjoys using strong words, I found the approach rather off-putting. Yes, I swear—I appreciate the power of language and know when it’s effective. Yet, I reserve my more vulgar expressions for appropriate contexts, and professional settings are definitely not one of them.
As these young girls unleashed a barrage of “F” bombs in their video, I found myself losing sight of the underlying message. Each expletive felt more like a nail being hammered down than an empowering statement. In contrast, Leo’s casual use of profanity brought laughter and relatability. He skillfully connected with parents by reading a book that resonated with the frustrations we face, while the girls’ emphasis on swearing seemed excessive. If Leo were swapped with a female icon like Amy Poehler or a young star from “Girl Meets World,” I would still be there cheering him on.
Words Carry Weight
To the tutu-wearing girls and their team, I’d share the same advice I give my daughter—who, despite my fondness for salty language when she’s not around, never swears: Words carry weight. Use that power wisely, or you might just find yourself f***ed.
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Conclusion
In summary, the juxtaposition of playful profanity and childhood nostalgia can be a powerful tool in fundraising, but the effectiveness hinges on context and delivery. As we navigate the world of advocacy and awareness, it’s crucial to remember the impact of our words.