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Changing the World: One Video At A Time

Writer: Caitlin
Caitlin
May 7, 2020
7 min read

Today's blog is a different idea that I came with up during a Livestream of a content creator and thought why not highlight creators who are changing the world one video at a time. I will be featuring my favorite content creators whether they are disability advocates who are changing the way the media has labeled us, to Disney content creators who are showing the magic in homes every day, to Instagram pages who are sharing happiness and positivity, and I would love to share that with the world. I would encourage every one of you to follow these creators and support their positive messages. Especially when the world is in quarantine at the moment and a lot of uncertainty in the world right now. Growing up with the conditions I have, there was no one growing up that I could see myself in the world. Nothing in the beauty industry, fashion, or even in learning altogether.


Kids want to just be acknowledged that they exist in the world and that they aren't alone in life. That can be simple as a character on the screen, an adult role model to see that the light at the end of the tunnel, a kid in a picture in a mall can change the way a kid is viewed. Unfortunately, I didn't see examples like that until I got out of school and living life in the real world. This affects my confidence at times and makes me feel more alone in the fight of my life with no end in sight. When I found some of these creators, I get reminded that there is a community of people who understands the sacrifices I deal with being with medical conditions, the struggles of daily life they share, and the tips needed to see the light and live life to the best.


*Before we get started with including my favorite content creators that you should support and follow their journeys. I do want to iterate that I have received permission from the creators to use their content (Instagram Post or Youtube Channel Video). I would love for all of you to enjoy the magic and follow their social media and youtube channels.*

Disney Content Creators

MrCheezyPop: Social Media Links

  • Snapchat: @MaxwellGlick

  • Youtube Channel: @mrcheezypop

  • Instagram: @mrcheezypop

  • Twitter: @Maxwell Glick

Maxwell Glick has been a Disney Content Creator since 2009. He is a voiceover actor doing tv, audiobook narration, and other jobs on the internet. You may recognize him for being a guest character in "The Office" , a role in movies like "Broken Toy", and a host on "Zoofari"(Nickelodeon series). He is a Disneyland based sharing the Disney magic from Anaheim, California. He currently has 82.4 thousand subscribers and one of the biggest channels based on the California Disney Parks.


His content is a majority of food-related videos, sharing his thoughts on the newest Disney food and snacks. He reviews new dishes, an overview of restaurants, and seasonal goodies like the Food & Wine Festival in Epcot & DCA(Disney's California Adventure). He also creates content on other hobbies of life. His hobbies include wine, baseball, harry potter, and most of all, Taylor Swift. He also does live streams with his followers cooking food, opening fan mail, or trying something new. We can see vlogs from concerts, to wineries, baseball games, and football stadiums sharing fun activities that fill out content throughout the year. I have personal favorites that I watch all the time and would love to share with you.


Disney content creators like Max, change the world by bringing the Disney magic to so many people. From people who hasn't been to the Disney parks, to those waiting until their vacation to begin, and to inspiring aspiring actors to follow their passion and that a dream isn't impossible. A lot of people doesn't realize how one video from a creator can bring joy to dark times.


Favorite Videos From Max:

Adventures W/ Zak: Social Media Links

  • Youtube Channel: Adventures With Zak

  • Twitter: @adventureswithzak

*Since this creator features children, I have decided to not post a video link with their child, Zak in the thumbnail. I want to keep all family creators safe during the era of the internet. This child also is not old enough to decide to get personal permission.*


This creator is the only international channel (based in the UK) that I feature on that list. This family has a cause that is so near to my heart and was connected through another Disney content creator, Hayes Family Vlog. Zak's parents, Shelly and Ben, are sharing their Disney adventures traveling internationally (WDW vlogger). Zak has been diagnosed with autism and is limited to his vocabulary but improving every day. They are also sharing the struggles given to families with autistic children when it comes to traveling, spending days in the parks, and issues when traveling internationally.


I relate to Zak because I remember when I couldn't communicate verbally what I wanted or needed until the age of five. Zak's eyes and warm smile help give magic during a bad day and I have faith that he will continue to improve to his own potential. From the character meet & greets, to the yummy treats, to the ride reactions live is priceless memories. It is something that can be understood without saying one word. Once you follow this family, you will get to see the progress of Zak and to get the idea of what the resources we are given the improvement that can come with it.

Disability Advocacy Content Creators

Anastasia Pagonis: Social Media Links (known as Tas)

Tas is a paralympic swimmer who is looking forward to returning to the paralympic level in Tokyo. The Olympics & Paralympics have been postponed at this time with no timeframe of when they will be on schedule. She is sharing life's challenging moments when trying to figure out this new lifestyle. Tas lost her vision at 14 years old due to a disease called Stargardt's. This disease is similar to other retinal eye conditions but can change by how long vision loss takes, to the method of how vision is taken away, and unfortunately not everyone has the same experience.


I stumbled across her from a video that Molly surprised her and her family when she heard her story. Molly was reminded of the similar journey tas is going through and wanted her to know that this road isn't always easy but the journey isn't impossible.


This video was all possible due to to a NBC program called George to the Rescue. Tas, since losing her vision, had starting having issues navigating her own home and causing dangers for herself. Luckily, George to the Rescue was able to make their home completely accessible and comforting for Tas. George to the Rescue has been on Youtube for 10 years, helping deserving families fix areas of their home that have trouble. What is incredible is that all of the materials and labor for each rescue is either donated material or volunteered to help.


For myself, I love seeing all disabilities being represented on the social media platforms to help get rid of the stereotypes the media puts on us! She has felt like a friend that understands being judged more than normal kids or having a passion to change the world! Her kind words and positive thinking sent via IG comments and DM's have lifted me up during a dark day or when I felt annoyed with the world. The world should see the amazing positive and fun content and learn to accept others!

Molly Burke: Social Media Links

Molly Burke has been a content creator since 2015. At the age of 4, Molly was diagnosed with a rare genetic eye disease called Retinitis Pigmentosa. I have included a link to a resource to learn more about Molly's eye condition. Molly lost her vision at the age of 14, within a 6 month period. She is originally from Toronto in Canada but is currently making videos mainly in LA. She accompanies her youtube channel with being a motivational speaker. She has done speaking events for We Day, World Economic Forum, and numerous events for private companies. Molly is also a representative for multiple campaigns for companies like Dove, AMI (Accessible Media Inc.), and American Eagle. She has done TV and Print Ads for a Global Campaign with Dove, and has been an Aerie Role Model for the 2nd year. Molly's youtube channel covers a variety of topics including storytimes, vlogs, fashion reviews, collabs, and most important to me is educating the public about disability & accessibility.

Molly is the first YouTuber I found that I saw myself being accepted and being celebrated. With her combined 3 million followers across her social media platforms, she has helped those with disabilities acknowledged that they aren't alone and abled bodied followers to see the true way of living with a disability. Molly being active on her channel uploading videos that make her unique and sees life from a unique perspective. She has helped me get ready to start the world of dating, which is so scary because of the staggering statistics on rape and abusive relationships among people who are disabled. She has assured me with knowing that love can be possible, and that a relationship comes in time & is never judgemental about when you start. Molly has been the main inspiration to start my blog to tell the world how life for me can help others. Molly, if you ever read this, you are amazing and perfect just the way you are. You are successful on youtube and social media not by your disability, but your personality, your honesty, and your love for others. Molly, you have no idea how much you have helped me within the last 2 years of being a follower. You even helped my younger sibling show some of the things I struggle with but can't communicate verbally. I am forever grateful that I can follow your journey and learn something new every single day.

So as a conclusion, Instagram and Youtube can be a hobby, but to a lot of people it can change you forever. From making friendships from other creators, to getting helpful advice in life, to making a bad day a great day, social media is not all negative and can make a huge difference. For me, that's why it is so important to share my life experiences and to show other families and people that they aren't alone. I also would like all of you to learn something new and to become educated. Knowledge is power and helps you interact with the world. When everyone is educated, the world can be a better place.


- Caitlin



 
 
 

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