In recent weeks, two nonprofit initiatives have harnessed the surprising combination of childhood innocence and profanity to garner attention, each yielding distinct results.
LeVar Johnson and “Go the F*** to Sleep”
First up is the beloved LeVar Johnson, the face of the iconic show “Reading Rainbow.” During a charity event hosted by Extra Life, he engaged viewers by reading the wildly popular, now-cult classic, “Go the F*** to Sleep.” The reaction was palpable—thousands tuned in to witness the man who once guided our after-school hours on PBS read a comical, adult-themed children’s book to raise funds for a children’s hospital. It’s hard to imagine how many would have chimed in if he had opted for a more conventional story like “Tommy the Turtle.”
F-Bombs for Feminism
On the other hand, a more NSFW video featured charming young girls in tutus dropping expletives in a project dubbed “F-Bombs for Feminism.” While the glitter and playful attire initially caught my attention, the delivery felt off-putting to me, even as a staunch feminist who embraces the power of language. Sure, I use swear words; they can be an effective tool when wielded judiciously. However, I reserve them for moments that truly warrant their impact, especially in professional settings.
As the girls unleashed a barrage of profanities, the essence of their message got lost amidst the cacophony of obscenities. In contrast, LeVar’s playful use of adult language elicited laughter and connection. He seamlessly bridged the gap between childhood nostalgia and adult humor, transforming a shared parental frustration into a relatable moment. If we swapped him out for Amy Parker or another beloved figure, I’d still be interested in their take.
As for the tutu-clad girls and their team, I would share the wisdom I give my young daughter—who, despite my penchant for colorful language outside her earshot, refrains from swearing: Words are powerful tools. Use them wisely, or risk losing their effectiveness.
Conclusion
In summary, these two campaigns highlight the diverse ways that childhood themes and adult language can come together to make an impact. LeVar’s approach showcased the humor and relatability of parenting struggles, whereas the girls’ project, albeit well-intentioned, missed the mark by overwhelming the audience with excessive profanity.
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