Why So Blue Today?
April 2nd is the United Nations sanctioned World Autism Awareness day.
Light It Up Blue!
OK... but why are people wearing blue? Why are famous buildings all around the world blue today?
In 2010, the organization Autism Speaks started a campaign to help raise awareness of Autism. According to the site https://www.autismspeaks.org/liub, each year on April 2nd, "...thousands of iconic landmarks and buildings join the hundreds of thousands of homes and communities around the world to “light blue” in support of people living with Autism."
The idea is for the unique display to spark a conversation. The hope is that people will see the landmarks and be inspired to ask, "Why is the Sphinx blue tonight?" From there, the inquisitive person will hopefully either ask someone or research the reason behind the display.
But what good does that really do? Big deal a building is blue. People are wearing blue shirts. So what?
This is 2017 not 2010. Most people I know are aware of the existence of Autism. Does there really need to be a day to raise awareness?
Well that depends. It depends on you and me. Are we going to look at the pretty blue lights and say, "Huh I'm aware of Autism. Boy it feels good to say that. I really helped today."?
Or are we going to use this as a springboard to spark us to take the next step? Can we use this as a way to raise awareness not about the existence of Autism... but to increase our awareness of how to accept and include people with Autism?
The 2015 Texas rangers supported the cause.
If you see blue today and think "Oh yeah, Autism exists" at least it is something.
But what if people around the world see blue today and ask themselves, "How can I make my son's next birthday party more inclusive so his classmate with Autism can come too?" or "How can I connect with my coworker who is on the spectrum?" or "Is there a local organization that works with people with ASD that I can help?"
Now that would be amazing!
It's 2017. Maybe we have moved beyond needing a day to recognize the existence of Autism. Maybe we are ready for the next step: becoming aware of how to accept and include people with Autism.
Beautiful post, Han!
Have an awesome day, man. :)
Thanks! And thank you for letting me use your art. I absolutely love it!
You betcha! I'm glad that it worked for you!
Just awesome man, I love it, the art and the words, you're the best ;)
I'm glad you like it, @dreemit! ;)
I have yet to see something of yours that I don't love @rigaronib ;)
You give me hope in this platform. :)
Now that's a comment that deserves a D'Aww :) Thank you, that is such a nice thing to say.
It has been a bit of an issue that for a long time I have almost exclusively posted chapters for my novel. I am beginning to branch out a bit. Whereas most of my posts consists mainly of words, this one consists mainly of photographs :) https://steemit.com/life/@dreemit/anniversary-on-a-motorcycle-part-two-anna-s-falls-and-excerpts-from-the-novel-reborn
I really enjoyed this post! :D
Yeah, as always, you are awesome.
Nah, I'm not any more awesome than the next person!
The scruffy nerd herder with a heart o' gold. Way to spread the word!
Who's scruffy looking?
Kidding. Thanks!
I knew about the day but not about the blue stuff. Thank you for teaching me something today :)
I'm glad I could repay the favor. You are constantly teaching steemians new things.
:)
You know I love this post. I share my wedding anniversary with World Autism Awareness Day :) And I ordered a slew of candy from my nephew's fundraiser a few days ago, every year he likes to interrupt the beginning of my spring diet with such goodies as breakaway chocolate balls, lol!
Happy anniversary! And haven't you heard that food bought for a good cause has no calories?
I missed this post... sorry man.
I came here to visit and say hi, see what I likely missed and UV you and give you a FAT 3¢ to help you out.
LOL
Have a nice week man. My $ETC ETF update is out today if that interests you, the project might be much closer to launch if you do have any $ETC and or need some. ETC has doubled in value the last 3 weeks, and that is always nice, right?
Wow it sure is! This is actually the only crypto I do. I keep telling myself I need to learn more about it but then I get distracted by other cool content. Lol
lol.
Check out my ETC post today or the Trading Series I do if you see it roll by or think of it.
Usually some decent info in stuff.
I try hard to not put out crap LOL
--- Exactly.
Thanks man! I figured you'd get it.
Great work! Thank you for sharing!
Thank you!