You keep using that phrase, and I don't think it means what you think it means. When you're aware of something, it means you're cognizant of its existence.. You know it's out there. There are no degrees of awareness. Either you're aware of something or you're not. I hate events that are advertised as "raising awareness of _____," whether that be breast cancer, autism, or a really great shoe sale in the Sudan. (That is what's going on over there, right?) How is a 5k run going to raise my awareness of breast cancer? It's not, you see. You're trying to raise MONEY for breast cancer RESEARCH. It's like a Girl Scout coming to your door and telling you that she's raising awareness of Girl Scout cookies. Something is being left out, see?
It's not that I'm against any of the fine causes that are out there, having awareness raised on their behalf. I'd just really prefer that people say what they mean. The reason I'm breaking my monk-like silence on Funundrum to bring this up is that I just got an email from one of my favorite bands, who is endorsing one of my favorite politicians. It says, in part:
"Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds are teaming up to perform a special acoustic show to raise awareness of Barack Obama's presidential campaign this Sunday, April 6, 2008 at Indiana University in Bloomington."
I don't think that anyone, at this point in the political race, needs to have their awareness raised about the existence of Barack Obama's political campaign. No matter who you support, I'm pretty sure you're clued in on the reason that this man's caring, gentle, friendly, completely electable face appears repeatedly in the daily news media. But can't you just see it now? A couple of college students showing up to this event going, "I don't know who this Barack Obama fellow is, but I intend to pick up a pamphlet to find out."
4 comments:
I agree. I am aware of a great many things. I read the papers. I keep my eyes and ears open. I think most people are "aware", but just don't pay attention to what words actually mean. Now, it has become a catch phrase that the huge "THEY" out there have bought into.
Mom R.
While we're ranting about use of words, I hate "empowering". I feel it implies that there is no power there to begin with.
Also retarded is "early detection is the best protection" (i.e., breast cancer). No... if it's there to detect, then you can't be protected from it because you've already got it. Jeeze.
End rant.
OK I could be wrong about 'empowering' but it still bugs me and nobody ever talks about empowering young men ('cause they're dudes and hence already have power. Duh.)
Sigh. Sadly, I totally agree, and yet I am one of the poor un-raised masses who has no media access save my computer and shuns politics whenever I have the chance, and hence I might actually pick up that silly pamphlet just to have reading material over breakfast (see your next post) :)
I do feel I'm aware of many things however, and I have to agree somewhat that I don't think my awareness is measured by height, degree, or otherwise. I simply am, therefore I'm aware. It's pretty straightforward and cut and dry and all that.
I would include "boost awareness" in this rant as well, as it seems to be used interchangeably, and is as pointless in meaning.
Stacy
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