I don’t think I’ve had as much fun watching any of the summer sporting events, such as the World Cup, Tour De France or Wimbledon as I have in the last few evenings watching Deaf Facebook users dump water over their own heads.
Yes, you read that right. Deaf people on Facebook are challenging each other to tip cold buckets of water over their own heads.
Like this guy.
This girl.
And this guy.
And a few dozen other people. With each person challenging five others to do the same within 24 hours, we may even see the whole UK Deaf community take part by the end of the month, the way things are going.
Over the last year, I’ve seen a few challenges grow like this. Irish swimmers encouraging each other to run into an icy cold sea, people compelling one another to upload their childhood photos, for example. Apparently this craze began in New Zealand, but it now feels very much like it’s ours.
It’s silly, ridiculous, pointless.
In a way.
But it’s also nice. Because it’s a reminder of the Deaf community’s love of random fun. The kind of crazy fun I’ve seen in Deaf offices, at Deaf parties and Deaf clubs.
And the way it’s spread through Facebook also shows how Deaf people across the UK are all now linked online. We’re able to be silly in front of hundreds of other people, so we shall.
That’s not to say there hasn’t been a backlash. Some users have pointed out that a man in New Zealand died after taking the ice challenge, although it’s also reported that he drank a whole bottle of whiskey after the ice had been tipped over his head.
And today, a Deaf actor has refused to take part in the craze, donating money to a water charity instead.
But as long as people go easy on the ice cubes (and I suspect some of the water hasn’t been all that cold, even if people are showing how much they’re shocked and shivering afterwards) it’s hard to see the harm.
Go forth and have fun, Deaf folk.
By Charlie Swinbourne. Charlie is the editor of Limping Chicken, as well as being a journalist (Guardian, BBC Online) and award-winning scriptwriter. His short film The Kiss was shown at Bradford International Film Festival in March, and his comedy Four Deaf Yorkshiremen go to Blackpool can now be seen on the BSL Zone by clicking here.
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Linda Richards
July 11, 2014
I agree but am also taken by the compassion people have for the causes they are supporting. A man from London has both donated to London Air Ambulance who saved his Deaf daughter’s life and, because he was challenged again, has undertaken the challenge of dumping water over his head too! So, my money’s going there – challenge or no challenge! I guess the only thing remaining is, Charlie – here’s your challenge! When will we see your video?! LMR xx
Editor
July 11, 2014
Er…. let me have a think about that!
Lesley
July 11, 2014
Great fun and it shows the hearing world that, yes deaf people are exactly the same as hearing folk – they enjoy life and like having fun like everyone else!!
kimion
July 11, 2014
I’m deaf and I need you something….stop complaing, it deaf life and out right, we are not to follow with hearing between deaf can can anything what they want to
Hetty rigg
July 11, 2014
I think it’s brill so funny especially when the kids take part with there parents ,every one looked so happy ,especially olie jones he was brilliant,not forgetting my hubby Alan who is hearing but took part to support his nephew Craig jones, have fun everyone
Kirsty
July 11, 2014
It has been a giggle! 🙂 “You know you’re deaf when your facebook wall is filled with water tipping challenges” – Have you done it yet Charlie?! 🙂
Justin Smith
July 12, 2014
Random fun? Not to be a killjoy but why not just donate money directly to a worthwhile cause like WaterAid or to the Tabitha Foundation. There are deaf people around the world who have to walk miles every day to get to nearest water pump just for clean water and to carry it back home in buckets for drinking and washing. It seems like such a waste. http://www.tabitha.ca/wells.html
alisonwherryalimo
July 12, 2014
we love its ..does no harm ..more visual to deaf people as comedy like laurel and hardy film ..
slapstick …also in lovely hot summer …watch out there another silly challenges on the way …Deaf community playing happy family xx
Justin .W.Alimo
David
July 12, 2014
I’m been water I really deaf boy!!!!
Paul Christofk Gore
July 12, 2014
Done !
Louise Warren
July 12, 2014
I heard deaf rumour about it will might be BBC & itv, sky on the news as soon, dunno why…. 🙂
Carol Hayes
July 13, 2014
Well done to all deafies to support for all charities. X
Sam
July 13, 2014
I’m surprised how many parents have the same rubbery, green bucket!!
lorry
July 13, 2014
Still going strong, well done to everyone I’m proud all of u x
Sue MacLaine
July 13, 2014
Phew..carry on everyone Charlie says it’s ok
Irish Sparkle
July 14, 2014
Gos bless us Deaf People…!!!
deaflinguist
July 14, 2014
I happen to disagree, although it seems that I’m in a minority here. I perceive it as a form of cyber-bullying. *No-one* has the right to dictate to you what you do and to influence your real-world behaviour via an online request.
Unfortunately the boundaries get blurred here because we’re so regularly asked to support worthwhile causes or our friends in their endeavours via social media – nothing wrong with that – it has possibly made us more receptive to these crazes. The deaf community isn’t alone – there was that “necknominate” thing a while back.
None of these crazes ultimately paint their respective communities in a great light – silly fun for some, possibly, but not great PR for the deaf community, full of diverse, intelligent, creative people. What does the world see? Deafies emptying buckets of water over themselves. Yes, right, that *really* celebrates our achievements, doesn’t it?
Sometimes we need to take a step back to sort out what’s worth doing and what isn’t. Think how the recipient would react if you asked them in RL rather than online and see how that alters your mindset.
While I donate regularly to charitable causes, I’m not going to be bounced into a donation to avoid a supposed “fate” that no-one has the right to force me to do anyway.
Don’t forget, some people may be humiliated by having water thrown over them or by having to make these videos public, or by the fact that with the best will in the world, they may not, for whatever reason known to themselves, have money to spare to donate to a cause. It’s not kind to put people in that sort of position.
Take out the “charity” aspect. “Do it or pay up” is the essential message. Doesn’t sound so cuddly now, does it?
Jen Dodds (@deafpower)
July 14, 2014
I think you’re taking it a bit too seriously, deaflinguist. Nobody HAS TO do anything – nobody is being menacing and threatening anyone else – surely anyone can see it’s all just a bit of optional fun?!
Editor
July 14, 2014
I agree with Jen – I think it’s seen as fun by everyone who’s taken part. There are people who’ve decided not to take part and that’s fine too. There’s no bullying that I’ve seen – Ed.
Jon Reeves
July 14, 2014
Deaf linguist I think you need to step back a minute and re-read your post.
No one is dictating, people are being challenged – have you never played DARE as a child – if not I;m sorry. People are being nominated its up to them if they want to do it or not. No one (at least that i can see) is repeatedly harassing people if they dont do it.
And its not just “deafies” – great use of the word there from a linguist!! – that are doing it now (as also said in the posts above). I come from a deaf family but am hearing – yes i tried to duck it but was advised by my sister, god love her, that it wasnt just for deaf people so I’ve done mine, and yes I nominated only hearing people.
Its a bit of harmless fun and if people want to donate they can do – no one is forcing them, frog marching them to the cashpoint or holding a gun to their heads.
Look at it in the spirit that its meant – harmless fun, a way to laugh at/with your mates and family and if it raises a few quid for the needy fantastic.
deaflinguist
July 14, 2014
I acknowledged from the outset I was probably in a minority, which proved to be the case: we are perfectly entitled to disagree with one another.
James Lawrence
July 14, 2014
Good grief ‘Deaf Linguist’
I couldn’t agree more with those above that replied to your post. Are you for real and as your title ‘dictate’.
We had loads of fun with the challenge last weekend with my circle of deaf and hearing friends and most of us go back over 40 years from our original school days. Yes we are still in touch as they’re real and true friends. At the same time we lead our own lives and without any dictation as you call it.
Talk about being a killjoy and nobody had to follow then challenge. Just a little bit of fun and either way nobody will be put down if otherwise. It’s a long time since anybody made me have to respond and I hope you see sense in what everybody saying above too.
Thank you
Alastair Aitken
July 15, 2014
Well said Jamie!!
Deborah Lawrence
July 15, 2014
What is wrong with a bit of harmless fun in the sun, I so enjoyed having a chuckle at people putting water over themselves