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Reading F-ing Rainbow: The Best Way to Use Swearing and Childhood to Fundraise
This week, two nonprofit campaigns cleverly combined childhood nostalgia with a sprinkle of profanity to grab attention, but the outcomes couldn’t have been more different.
Leo Carter and Reading Rainbow
First up, we have Leo Carter, the beloved star of the classic show, Reading Rainbow. During a charity livestream for Extra Life, he read aloud from the wildly popular (and now iconic) book, “Go the F*** to Sleep.” You bet I tuned in, and so did thousands of others! This is the guy who was a staple during my after-school PBS routine, right before diving into homework. And here he was, reading a hilarious, foul-mouthed parody for a children’s hospital! Can you imagine how many people would have tuned in if he had read “Dino Adventures” instead?
The Tutu Crew
On the flip side, we saw a very different approach from a group of preteen girls in tutus, who dropped a barrage of “F-Bombs for Feminism.” Honestly, I clicked on the video because the mix of glitter, pink satin, and cursing intrigued me. But while I’m all for feminism and swearing (I mean, I’m a writer and I appreciate the power of words), this video completely missed the mark for me. As the girls unleashed their colorful language, I found myself focusing more on the shock value rather than the message. Each “F” felt like a nail being hammered in, drowning out the very point they were trying to make. Contrast that with Leo Carter, who effortlessly made us chuckle with every curse word he dropped. He’s an adult, and it felt relatable. His choice to read a book that mirrors the frustrations of parenting was both humorous and genuine.
Words Carry Weight
As for the tutu crew? I’d advise them to heed what I tell my daughter, who, despite my love for colorful language (out of earshot, of course), has never uttered a swear: Words carry weight. Use them wisely, or you might end up f***ed.
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In summary, while both campaigns tried to use swearing to make a point, the effectiveness varied greatly. Leo Carter’s playful approach resonated with audiences, while the tutu girls’ excessive use of profanity overshadowed their message. The right balance of humor and language can create a powerful impact when done thoughtfully.