The Charles Ramsey narrative and its several spurs continue to grow more transfixing in the second 24-hour cycle since his heroic rescue and 911 call. Ramsey has become another instantly bona-fide internet sensation.
Already circulating among the social-media-spheres is an addictive auto-tune remix of his initial interview and a reflection on the nature of poor, black viral celebrities, but the latest is a fundraising effort for Ramsey by a man in Oregon.
From the Gofundme page:
Dear Charles Ramsey,
Thank you for doing what you did… thank you for the fantastic interviews. You made our day.
Sincerely,
The Internet
Robby Russell, the man who kickstarted the fundraising — wink wink — intends to travel to Cleveland himself to present Ramsey with a “HUGE CHECK” on behalf of “THE INTERNET.”
The comments section demonstrates a lingering uncertainty about whether or not Ramsey ought to be given a reward above the FBI’s promised compensation. The Gofundme goal is $10,000, and some commentators have chimed in suggesting that the money be donated to the girls directly.
Here’s a thesis: Strictly from an entertainment perspective, money for Ramsey is totally legit.
It definitely seems fair to debate why internet users have such fiendish appetites for characters like Ramsey, but the fact is we do. And Russell acknowledges that the money is not only to recognize Ramsey’s actions related to the rescue, but the entertainment America (and the world) has received in consequence.
Does this seem misplaced? Inappropriate? Would you give money to Ramsey? (Lots of people already have — as of 12:25 p.m., 139 people have donated.)
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This article appears in May 1-7, 2013.
He’s just going to hand it over to the women anyway, so if people want to donate let them. I for one just donated money to the Hodge’s t-shirt page without ordering a t-shirt since 100% of the money is going to the victims. Mr. Ramsey is an inspiration. “He gets a paycheck, give it to the girls”
Hey, what about Angel Cordero who kicked the door in and held the baby while Amanda used Ramsey’s phone to call 911? No one’s lovin’ him.
If all the money goes to the victims, then I don’t see why donating would be a bad thing. In that scenario though, why not just set up a fund in the names of the victims?
I heard about Mr. Cordero. I also heard that he didn’t speak any English so therefore he wasn’t able to be interviewed. I don’t have an opinion on the right or wrongness of this but you and I both know that the news media loves a human interest story. And Mr. Ramsey is a walking human interest story – with his less than perfect English and diction (not meant as a slight towards him). He was the one they could put a microphone in front of his face and he was the one who was able to give a riveting description of what happened. If Mr. Cordero desires to be recognized for his part in the rescue, he or an English-speaking family member needs to come forward. I’m not saying it’s right, I’m just saying that’s how the media game is played. And I don’t really think Mr. Ramsey desires all the attention that’s being put on him. I saw an interview he did with CNN and you could tell that he was very uncomfortable and probably now only wants to be left alone. It’s really sickening how people are making fun of him, his speech pattern and his bad teeth as if that’s required for helping someone escape a 10 year torture chamber. With the internet we have become fools and uncaring idots.
if it had not been for Mr.Ramsey,the ladies and girl could still be prisoners.I am impressed
with him.GOD BLESS.GOD uses oridinary people.G. Wilson