Most are enjoying the fun antics of the ALS ice bucket challenge, while a growing number of individuals are opposed to the seemingly misguided deed.
Long time supporter of animal rights, Pamela Anderson, and other celebrities such as Carey Hart, Shay Mitchell, and Zachary Quinto have raised concerns about the ALS ice bucket challenge. Anderson posted a Facebook messages criticizing ALS researchers for their cruel practices. She’s turning the tables on ALS, challenging them to stop the mistreatment of animals during medical experiments. She states, “Trying to cure human diseases by relying on outdated and ineffective animal experiments isn’t only cruel – it’s a grave disservice to people who desperately need cures.” FDA statistics claim 92 out of 100 drugs that succeed in animal trials fail once in human trials. Anderson urges people to “find and support charities that never harm animals”.
Pink’s husband, Carey Hart, also recently criticized the ice bucket challenge. Online he stated, “I went the contribution route. I figured ALS would rather have my money than see me wet.” Shay Mitchell and Zachary Quinto opted to raise awareness by donating directly to ALS. Quinto also raised concern over the lack of clean drinking water for many and didn’t feel dumping ice water was sending the right message.
What do you think? Is the ALS ice bucket challenge a wash out, or is it just a harmless way to raise awareness for ALS. Personally, I’m for donating the money. It almost seems the challenge has evolved into an attention getting stunt for self promotion rather than a charity fundraiser.
