36,000,000 Child Deaths - Got Your Attention Yet?

Poverty, in all of its varying and unequivocal degrees, is a plague to the progression of humanity. While many sit in the comfort of their conditioned homes, growing roots within the comfort of leather chairs and flat screen televisions, there will be always be the reminder of the millions that suffer from a lack of running water or the simplest amenities that many take for granted. However, even with charities and organizations dedicated to ridding the world this level of living, they are not without their faults in inviting people from all walks of life to participate.

World Development Movement was founded in 1970 in London and has done its part in 36 years to make a difference in the problems plaguing the world and right at home within their native England. Their campaigns involve attacking big business, trade and debt in general. As with any group that attacks the problems that affect the world they are to be commended and praised, but they should not be free of criticism because of their past efforts.

An online world known as ‘Second Life’ was introduced to a counter. The counter is a constant reminder as to how many children have died as a result of poverty around the world since Second Life has gone active. The number has already surpassed 36,000,000 and continues to rise every second of the day. For those who which to simply escape the pains of the world on a temporary basis, this is a jolting reminder of what the real world is really like.

On the WDM website that explains the ad and counter, the following reason detailed: “These deaths are preventable - it just takes action.”

The purpose of the ad is highly commendable and at first glance the ad is pushing nothing than what is the truth. For those who wish to escape the world and seem bent on doing so on a regular basis, a wake up call would be a necessary action. However, by thrusting such a gargantuan number into someone’s face and imploring them to take action, the purpose of the ad defeats itself. Informative as it should be, yes, but the ad is also obviously meant to string the cords of guilt in whoever reads it.