The Impact of “The World Was Heard” Video After 10 Years: Legacy and Influence Unveiled

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Man Regains Hearing After Decade with Impacted Earwax Removal

ARCHYDE.COM – A British man, identified only as Jason, has been experiencing the world of sound again after a concerning buildup of earwax robbed him of his ability to hear for a decade. The remarkable recovery came following the removal of an exceptionally large wax blockage by hearing expert Charis Round.

The procedure, documented in a now-viral video, has sparked widespread attention, accumulating over 20 million views. In a poignant moment captured on film, Jason exclaimed, “I can hear the world! I can hear my voice!”

Experts say that the sheer mass of earwax resembled the size of five pence coins and highlighted that immediate hearing restoration was achieved upon its removal. Round assessed Jason’s condition before carefully extracting the wax using an irrigator and specialized tools. Viewers were astonished by before-and-after footage of the procedure.

Medical professionals caution that excessive earwax can lead to serious complications, including tinnitus, hearing loss, and ear pain, potentially resulting in permanent damage. Thay strongly advise against self-removal attempts using objects like cotton swabs or fingers, as these can cause injury or bleeding to the delicate inner ear.

Condition	Potential Outcomes of Untreated earwax Build-Up	Safe Removal Solutions
Earwax Accumulation	Tinnitus,temporary or permanent hearing loss,ear pain,infection.	Professional removal by a healthcare provider using irrigation, microsuction or specialized tools.
Self-Removal Attempts	Ear canal damage, bleeding, infection, further impaction of wax.	Avoidance. Consulting a doctor for assessment and safe removal.

Pro Tip: Never insert any object into your ear canal. Your ears are self-cleaning to a degree, and attempting to remove wax yourself can push it further in, causing more meaningful problems.

Did you know that earwax, technically called cerumen, has protective properties, lubricating and shielding the ear canal from dust and bacteria? Though, overproduction or blockage can lead to hearing difficulties.

Do you regularly prioritize your ear health, and if so, what routines do you follow to ensure optimal hearing?

How did the format of “The World was heard” influence the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements?

the genesis of a Viral Campaign: remembering “The World Was Heard”

Released in 2015, “The World Was Heard,” a collaborative video project spearheaded by Cut.com, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Featuring individuals from diverse backgrounds sharing their experiences with prejudice and discrimination, the video amassed tens of millions of views within weeks. Its raw honesty and powerful storytelling resonated deeply, sparking conversations about social justice, diversity and inclusion, and implicit bias. the core concept – allowing individuals to speak their truth without interruption – proved remarkably effective.

The immediate Aftermath: Social Media & Initial Reactions (2015-2017)

The initial impact of “The World Was Heard” was largely felt on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Increased Awareness: The video considerably raised awareness of microaggressions, systemic racism, and the everyday realities of marginalized communities.

#TheWorldWasHeard: the hashtag became a rallying cry for individuals to share their own stories and engage in dialog.

Educational Tool: Educators began utilizing the video in classrooms to facilitate discussions about empathy, tolerance, and social responsibility.

Media Coverage: Major news outlets covered the video’s viral success and its impact on public discourse, further amplifying its message. This included features in The New York Times and The Guardian.

The initial wave of reactions was overwhelmingly positive, though not without its share of backlash. Some criticized the video for being “divisive” or “anti-white,” highlighting the complexities of discussing sensitive topics like racial inequality.

Long-Term Influence on Activism and Advocacy (2017-2025)

The influence of “The World Was Heard” extends far beyond its initial viral moment. It laid the groundwork for many subsequent social activism movements and advocacy campaigns.

The Rise of Personal Storytelling in Activism

The video demonstrated the power of personal narratives in driving social change. this approach became increasingly prevalent in movements like:

1. #MeToo: The success of sharing personal experiences with sexual harassment and assault mirrored the format of “The World Was Heard,” empowering survivors to speak out.
2. Black Lives Matter: While already established, the BLM movement benefited from the increased focus on systemic racism and the importance of amplifying marginalized voices.
3. Disability Rights Advocacy: Individuals with disabilities increasingly used storytelling to challenge stereotypes and advocate for accessibility and inclusion.

Impact on Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Corporations and organizations began to prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives in response to the heightened awareness generated by the video and similar campaigns.

unconscious Bias Training: many companies implemented training programs designed to address implicit bias and promote more equitable workplaces.

Inclusive Hiring Practices: Efforts were made to diversify hiring pools and create more inclusive recruitment processes.

Employee Resource Groups: The formation of employee resource groups (ERGs) provided safe spaces for marginalized employees to connect and advocate for their needs.

The Evolution of Online Dialogue: From Viral Video to Ongoing Conversation

“The World was Heard” didn’t just spark a conversation; it helped shape the way we discuss sensitive topics online.

The shift Towards Empathetic listening

The video’s emphasis on uninterrupted listening encouraged a more empathetic approach to online dialogue. While online spaces remain often polarized, there’s a growing recognition of the importance of actively listening to and understanding different perspectives.

The Challenges of Online Discourse

Despite progress, online discourse remains fraught with challenges:

Echo Chambers: Individuals often gravitate towards online communities that reinforce their existing beliefs, limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.

Online Harassment: Marginalized individuals continue to face online harassment and abuse, silencing their voices.

Misinformation and Disinformation: The spread of false or misleading facts can undermine efforts to promote understanding and empathy.

Case Study: The “Listen learn Act” Campaign (2020)

Inspired directly by the principles of “The World Was Heard,” the “Listen Learn Act” campaign, launched in 2020, focused on educating individuals about systemic racism and encouraging them to take concrete action. The campaign utilized a similar format of personal storytelling,featuring individuals sharing their experiences with racial injustice and outlining specific steps that others could take to become allies. The campaign garnered notable media attention and raised over $500,000 for racial justice organizations.

The World Economic Forum’s Role in Gender Parity & Intersectionality

While “The World Was Heard” primarily focused on racial and ethnic discrimination, its core message of amplifying marginalized voices aligns with broader efforts to achieve gender parity and address intersectionality. The World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap report (most recently updated for 2025 – see https://www.weforum.org/publications/global-gender-gap-report-2025/digest/) highlights the ongoing challenges women face globally,emphasizing the need for systemic change and inclusive policies. The video’s legacy extends to supporting these broader equity goals.

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