There is a new buzz going around about a video that is making some waves in the Twitter water. And more and more people are becoming angry about it. DDB New York created an add for a charity called "Water is Life" which is working to get donations to bring clean water to countries in need.
The ad, more or less, points out the absurd trend that is sweeping all over Twitter, #FirstWorldProblems. The ad uses native Haitians to read the tweets tagged as first world problems in order to point a finger at the bigger issues in the world that far surpass forgetting your phone charger downstairs or forgetting your maid's last name as you go to write him/her a check.
Many people have become angered by the ad because it makes fun of those people and their first-world problems. But it does make an important critique. Of all the ways we could use social media, whining about our laziness and silly problems is among the least productive. Instead, the ad is trying to suggest that there are other problems out there that are in serious need of attention, and social media is one avenue to provide your assistance, such as a donation in this case.
However, a major critique of the ad is also that it does offend the very people that the company is asking for a donation to the cause. Even though the ad does make a very urgent critique, many are saying that it could have been done in a more subtle and productive way that does not push away the people you are asking for help.
I personally like the ad and the critique it is making, and I think it is a pertinent message that we are abusing our resources and far too often are becoming lazy, selfish individuals. However, I urge you to watch the ad and decide for yourself.
#FirstWorldProblems - Haiti Water Ad 2012
http://www.businessinsider.com/ddbs-firstworldproblems-haiti-water-ad-2012-10?nr_email_referer=1&utm_source=Triggermail&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Advertising%20Select&utm_campaign=Advertising%20Select%20Mondays%202012-10-08
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