Some thoughts on Batkid

http://rt.com/usa/batkid-leukemia-saves-san-francisco-831/

I was not initially as moved by the Batkid story as most people. I wasn't against it, and I am grateful that I have not seen a lot of people snarking on it or criticizing it. Somehow I just ended up being more analytical about it than emotional. It could have just been the day.

My first thought was some amazement at how much they put into it for one person. Normally you would expect something like a ride in the Batmobile, or a visit from Christian Bale in character, or something like that. Someone got extra creative, and got buy-in, probably with some snowball effect happening, and then it becomes a thing.

And I quickly realized it was not just a thing for one person. You can have it turn so big because so many people wanted to participate, and those people are thrilled to be participating. That's a good memory for them. Then it goes viral, and other people smile and get choked up and care, and that's a good thing for them. It looks like it is something that will also help other children:

http://abcnews.go.com/US/batkids-make-spikes-donations-interest-foundation/story?id=20925003

So here we have people coming together, and kindness, and inspiration. I think one reason there hasn't been a lot of criticism is because the recipient of all this effort is a sick child, and that's a fairly safe area. Otherwise, it is more common to see things like this:

http://mediamatters.org/blog/2013/11/13/foxs-heartless-response-to-the-philippines-call/196882

Well, there's actually lots of examples of people being heartless, and I don't want to get mired in that. Instead I want to make two related points.

One is that kindness makes us feel good, and it makes other people feel good. Even very small acts of consideration can have a big effect, and lead to gratitude and other kindness. That's the way to go.

And the related point is that there are a lot of opportunities. We're getting into the holidays. There was just a typhoon, and tornadoes, and a mine collapse. And yes, there are points we could make about global warming now, and industry regulations and the economy, and they can wait. There are also points we could make about how inspiring comic books can be, and that will probably happen too.

For now, just take a look around you and see what you have to contribute to the world.