swirlsofhistory posted:

First of all, I sincerely apologize for my actions in the Vilerat thread. I've been sick, and the news made me sicker. Thank you to all who sent support through PM, and I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart to anyone I may have inadvertently made feel worse.

So now to the what I call "The Vilerat Project." It's premise is simple: If four people died over a stupid YouTube video translated into Arabic, what can 100 YouTube videos do? Or 1,000? Or 10,000? Let's find out.

Here's what you have to do to join the Vilerat Project:

1.) Record a video of yourself lip-synching to the song "Why Can't We Be Friends?" by War. Or the cover by Smash Mouth, if you're so inclined. You can even skip the verses if you choose, and just record the chorus. (It's very difficult to remember, but it goes likes this: "Why can't we be friends?" Repeat.) Or sing it a cappella. Or play it on an instrument.

2.) Send the video to whycantwebefriends01@gmail.com. If you are so inclined, please include your first name and location.

3.) Sit back and pat yourself on the back.

That's it. That's literally it. That's all. If you would like to do more, here are some ideas:

A.) I'd like to translate the song's chorus into as many languages as possible. I speak three living languages other than English - German, Spanish and French. Here's what I've got on them:

GERMAN: Warum sollen wir nicht Freunden sein?

SPANISH: ¿Por qué no somos amigos?

FRENCH: Pourquoi ne pouvons-nous être amis?

I would appreciate any help in correcting my translation. I would also definitely, definitely, DEFINITELY appreciate help into translating into other languages, both phonetically and in writing. Above all, I want the chorus translated into Hebrew, Arabic and Russian. That is a must.

B.) I would like to purchase the music rights to the song. I will be setting up a payment account in a few days, once I know what it will run me.

C.) I'd like suggestions as to other songs to use. My current plan is to use, for October and November, "Love's in Need of Love Today" by Stevie Wonder and "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding" by Elvis Costello & the Attractions. For December, the song would be, of course, "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" by John Lennon. I'd love to hear ideas for January.

Please remember, if you contribute, this is a message of peace to the people of Libya, Egypt, the entire Muslim world and everywhere else. Please do not include messages of anger and hate. Anger and hate are understandable emotions, but they're easy. Let's do what's hard. Let's love even the worst.

And by the way, the so-called "Islamic Rage Boy," Śakīl Ahamad Bhaţ, is supposed to have a camera at his house in a few days to contribute to this project. Because why can't we be friends with Śakīl Ahamad Bhaţ? Seriously, why can't we?