Last Updated on: 14th March 2014, 10:24 am
I was making breakfast and the radio was on. I think it was Chym. The chirpy woman was telling us all about the ALS walk, and she finished off by saying “Walk for those who can’t.” It sounded as though those words were not a burst of what she thought was creative genius, but a slogan from the ALS society itself. I did a bit of googling, and it appears that it is their slogan for the walk.
I don’t really want to get offended on behalf of folks with ALS, but I can’t help but think that’s a pretty insensitive slogan. If folks with ALS are happy with it, then I take it back. But just think of how horrible it would sound if you slapped that style of slogan on any other event to raise awareness or funds for another disease or disability. Come raise money for CNIB by visiting the scenic garden. Help raise money to cure diabetes by participating in a pie-eating contest. Come out and learn about epilepsy at the festival of lights! Come out to the bridge overlooking the river and enjoy music from a swing band in honour of suicide prevention!
What really kills me about “walk for those who can’t” is, if I’m not mistaken, ALS is a degenerative disease. So, “those who can’t” are still likely coming to terms with the fact that they can’t. Way to have their own society rub that point in.
Am I the only one who thinks this?