A kinder world
In a time where we are all asked to stay at home not just for ourselves but most importantly to protect others, we are all reminded that kindness is the key to save lives.
Despite countries around the world entering a silent war for ventilators and PPE, with accusations of piracy in modern times, and with Europe facing great uncertainty regarding the future of the European Union, the world has seen signs of cooperation in many areas worldwide. Researchers around the globe are working tirelessly together to find THE vaccine. People are finding creative ways to express gratitude and solidarity (e.g., clapping out of their windows, dropping noted to their neighbors, pinning rainbow pictures to their windows).
And this Saturday the entertainment industry came together for a historic concert. Lady Gaga in collaboration with Global Citizen and the World Health Organization (WHO) put together an eight-hour One World: Together at Home livestreamed benefit concert. Comparisons to Live Aid which in 1985 was the most ambitious international satellite television event ever organized were inevitable. Some even say that Together at Home will be Live Aid for the coronavirus generation. This Saturday’s show united an impressive roster of performers because no one wanted to miss out this opportunity to show their tribute to healthcare workers in the frontline fighting COVID-19 and be part of this historical moment.
From the beginning it was clear that if Lady Gaga was leading the efforts, this concert would be nothing less than legendary. However, the amount of money raised by this initiative, an impressive $127 million (!!) both through donations and corporate sponsorship was impossible to foreseen. Talking about kindness in times of crises, to me this initiative was the highlight of the week. Artists and celebrities giving their time, corporations stepping in to lead by example, and individuals contributing financially (amid an economic downturn).
Lady Gaga tweeted after the show: “Thank you with all of my heart for watching #TogetherAtHome, sharing in a global moment of kindness with each other, and spreading positive and loving intentions. We love you.”
I’d like to close this reflection with a beautiful moment from Together At Home and let us all try to build a kinder world.
#CBSDigitalLiteracy
