Twitter roundup: Things to laugh at

That's it, that's the theme

Nov 29, 2020

There’s something uniquely pleasing about seeing an image, especially of something otherwise common, that surprises you. If it makes you laugh, even better. In my case, the hallmark of a great joke or visual pun is when it makes me do one of two things:

Exhale loudly and roll my eyes
Silently wheeze at a pitch only the neighbourhood dogs can hear

None of the tweets this week are about news; they are meant to make you smile. There are a few on-purpose jokes in there, but mostly they’re the strange, absurd detritus of minds hungry for something to manage all of ~this~ going on. Oh, and they’re presented without commentary. Think of it like finally watching a movie without your beloved but sometimes irritating friend who likes to whisper jokes they think are better in your ear.

In exchange for the privilege of not hearing me pontificate about things like, for example, what it means to “live with COVID-19” as a society as opposed to pursuing zero cases, I ask just one thing:

Do one thing today that boosts someone up. It can be as simple as smashing the heart button at the bottom of this post or sharing this publication with someone new! That would definitely give me a boost.

Share The Amateurist

You could also reply to that message from a friend, make a verbal show of support to someone in your life, or donate a few dollars to a local organization doing good work in your community. These days, a break from the expected might be all it takes to help turn someone’s day (or week, month, or year) around.

Here are some places to start for those of you with a few extra bucks:

1492 Land Back Lane Legal Fund - this fundraiser contributes to legal fees and supplies for Indigenous land defenders in the Six Nations/Caledonia region, where the OPP has incited violence in the community and acted on unconstitutional injunctions against Six Nations peoples in their own territory.

Sistering Toronto - Sistering offers practical and emotional resources to women and trans people who experience homelessness or precarious housing, trauma and violence, social isolation, discrimination, substance use or need mental health support.

Indspire - This national organization provides scholarships and bursaries, as well as various local support networks, for Indigenous youth pursuing education at all levels.

Black Health Alliance - Their mission is to reduce the racial disparities in health outcomes and promote health and well-being for people from the diverse Black communities in Canada with emphasis on the broad determinants of health, including racism.

Rainbow Refugee - Rainbow Refugee is a Vancouver-based community group that supports people seeking refugee protection in Canada because of persecution based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression (SOGIE) or HIV status.

You’re doing great. Wear a mask and tell your cashier you appreciate them.

Off we go!