By Sage Fleming, published March 7th, 2022
Valentine’s Day has rolled around again, and with it comes a seriously clever fundraiser: Cupids For Charity. It ticks all the boxes: important causes are supported, teachers are embarrassed, and alliteration is masterfully put to work. But, in the spirit of true 2022 nit-pickiness, something about it bothers me.
This fundraiser ends with the most donated-to teacher dressed up as “cupid,” in fairy wings, a tutu, and an adult diaper. Two years ago when the first Cupids for Charity was held, I didn’t find this funny. Seeing my teachers walking around in exaggerated pads was gross and weird. This year, I have the right words and a platform to voice the root of my discomfort: that adult diapers should not be a joke.
Worldwide, millions of adults and elderly people suffer from incontinence (a lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation).
This can be caused by natural aging, childbirth, severe injury, and/or disease. According to a 2020 Stats Canada survey, 10.8% of adults aged 65 years or older in Canada deal with the condition. That’s over seven hundred thousand people, and though it is a significant part of our aging population, there is a strong shame associated with wearing diapers.
I have a personal connection to this story, as well: a few years ago, my Nana died of Alzheimer's, a disease which causes Dementia. This eventually causes a complete loss of memory, and forgetfulness when it comes to basic bodily functions like using the bathroom. My Nana had to wear diapers every day that were changed by a caretaker. And she wasn’t the only one: Multiple people in a group of 25 seniors interviewed in the Netherlands in 2015 have experienced a reliance on diapers, and agreed that the idea of becoming dependent on a caretaker in this way was an “abhorrent condition devoid of dignity.” Some would even prefer a “self-chosen death” to stop the “humiliating process.” Though they are necessary, wearing a diaper becomes an emotional death sentence for millions. Not very “haha” funny to me.
Here’s the bottom line: if you put an adult in a diaper with the sole intent of laughing at them, you’re perpetuating the idea that adult diapers are an embarrassing joke, instead of a sad reality. It’s demeaning and insulting to our elderly, and it’s a joke we need to move on from. In case I didn’t say it enough: it is not that funny.
This might surprise you, but I truly hope Cupids for Charity continues next year. Humiliating teachers is a very effective tactic to get students to donate to important causes, and it raises hundreds of dollars. But next Valentine’s, let’s give the teachers funny makeovers! Or make them sing a song! Let’s find a new way to embarrass our staff that leaves our elderly at peace. It’s the season of love, after all.
This fundraiser ends with the most donated-to teacher dressed up as “cupid,” in fairy wings, a tutu, and an adult diaper. Two years ago when the first Cupids for Charity was held, I didn’t find this funny. Seeing my teachers walking around in exaggerated pads was gross and weird. This year, I have the right words and a platform to voice the root of my discomfort: that adult diapers should not be a joke.
Worldwide, millions of adults and elderly people suffer from incontinence (a lack of voluntary control over urination or defecation).
This can be caused by natural aging, childbirth, severe injury, and/or disease. According to a 2020 Stats Canada survey, 10.8% of adults aged 65 years or older in Canada deal with the condition. That’s over seven hundred thousand people, and though it is a significant part of our aging population, there is a strong shame associated with wearing diapers.
I have a personal connection to this story, as well: a few years ago, my Nana died of Alzheimer's, a disease which causes Dementia. This eventually causes a complete loss of memory, and forgetfulness when it comes to basic bodily functions like using the bathroom. My Nana had to wear diapers every day that were changed by a caretaker. And she wasn’t the only one: Multiple people in a group of 25 seniors interviewed in the Netherlands in 2015 have experienced a reliance on diapers, and agreed that the idea of becoming dependent on a caretaker in this way was an “abhorrent condition devoid of dignity.” Some would even prefer a “self-chosen death” to stop the “humiliating process.” Though they are necessary, wearing a diaper becomes an emotional death sentence for millions. Not very “haha” funny to me.
Here’s the bottom line: if you put an adult in a diaper with the sole intent of laughing at them, you’re perpetuating the idea that adult diapers are an embarrassing joke, instead of a sad reality. It’s demeaning and insulting to our elderly, and it’s a joke we need to move on from. In case I didn’t say it enough: it is not that funny.
This might surprise you, but I truly hope Cupids for Charity continues next year. Humiliating teachers is a very effective tactic to get students to donate to important causes, and it raises hundreds of dollars. But next Valentine’s, let’s give the teachers funny makeovers! Or make them sing a song! Let’s find a new way to embarrass our staff that leaves our elderly at peace. It’s the season of love, after all.
