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# Revitalizing Civility: Learning from MrBeast
The term ‘civility’, which connotes politeness and cultured behaviour, seems to have lost its essence in today’s time. It is typically associated with the characteristics of a social entity such as community, governance, and civilization. With the decline in social manners, it’s high time that prominence is given to introducing civility in our daily lives. There’s one well-known identity, MrBeast, who is well-fitted for this role.
In the American Bar Association’s Survey of Civic Literacy conducted in 2023, an astonishing 85% of participants felt that civil behaviour has deteriorated over the last decade. Merely 6% disagreed, opining that society has become more civilized.
On identifying the causes of this decline, the consensus was towards the growing impact of social media and media as a whole. This trend is coupled by the fact that 53% of participants did not believe individuals were comprehensively informed about governance and 17% agreed to utter unfamiliarity concerning the workings of the government.
The turmoil observed over the years further validates that the majority either lack or deliberately ignore a deeper understanding of the cause of their agitations and government actions. The primary culprit for perpetuating misconceptions, controversies and clickbaiting seems to be the media and social media platforms.
Despite this trend, one online persona, popularly known as MrBeast or Jimmy Donaldson, distinguishes himself. A self-made YouTube sensation, MrBeast has carved a niche in advocating reasoned and calm dialogue, encouraging consensus and unity instead.
With a whopping 250 million followers hooked to his elaborate stunts and competitions, MrBeast is one of YouTube’s top earners. Though he isn’t free from controversies, his journey from a nobody to a Gen-Z idol offers valuable civic lessons for society.
Donaldson’s online conduct goes a long way in illustrating how dignified response to societal pressures can lead to unifying outcomes. He has exhibited numerous instances of soothing tense situations. For instance, when his brand ‘Feastables’s chocolate bars were launched, the high demand led to disrupted store shelves. His response was an unconventional tweet to his followers, with a $5,000 reward for the best cleanup of the shelves, which his followers responsively took up, leaving the shelves in a better condition.
Donaldson first gained traction by sharing low-quality video game playbacks and weird challenges. As his popularity grew, he instigated large giveaways and sophisticated scenarios.
His generosity extends from giving away $10,000 to a homeless person to offering lump sums to common people like Uber drivers and Twitch streamers. Encouraged by his success, MrBeast has ventured into philanthropy, with YouTube generated money funding environmental cleanup, tree plantations, medical treatments, and clean water supplies.
Despite his goodwill, MrBeast has his fair share of critics who argue that his charity work indirectly boosts his YouTube income. Shrugging off these criticisms, he continues to inspire the youth to work hard, contribute to society, and embrace accountability and honesty in social media engagements.
In all his endeavours, Donaldson instils civility and social consciousness; virtues that people of all generations must learn and practice more frequently. He exemplifies that a generous heart and a willing mind can foster a community of empathy, compassion, and love.
The author, Wayne Geerling, is a professor of Instruction at the University of Texas, Austin.
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