For those of you who don't know about the Kony 2012 thing, here is a link to the video that went viral about six days ago: http://vimeo.com/37119711
Cool, now that you've watch it, you gotta admit that it is a pretty compelling video. Very well done. Inspiring. I was convinced. And then I found all these articles criticizing Invisible Children's charity work, and also Uganda's frustrations with the video.
And here is Inivisble Children defending themselves against the criticism:
Aaaaaaand here is something Lakayana shared on facebook, an interview with Kony from 2006:
I just wonder how everyone feels about this. At first I was really inspired, and then I was really upset about it. And now I don't know what side to be on. I think it is great that facebook and social media were used to spread information for a good cause worldwide and potentially make a big difference in people's thoughts and actions. I'm surprised I don't see that being done on a big scale like this more often. (I wonder how much facebook paid for timeline to be used in the video??) However, Uganda doesn't seem impressed. What has this video done but stir up a big pot of poo over there and made it stink everywhere that smelled just fine before (according to the articles.)
I DO want the world to be a safe place. I DO want to see change. I DO want to be a part of that change. I want a lot of things. I want renewable energy. I want equal rights for gay people. I want men to respect women. I want quality education. I could go on.
What am I but a gullible hypocrite that takes everything for granted? Tell me what I can do and I'll do it. But what CAN I do for a campaign in which facts aren't totally lining up? Is it really a scam? Or is crying, "SCAM" the new American cop-out for people who want to justify not donating or helping? But mainly my number one concern is my own safety, and the safety for the people in Uganda which apparently was a peaceful enough place only seven days ago.
So what do YOU think? Enlighten me.
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UPDATE:
The Daily What just posted a long@$$ thingy-ma-jig here.
...FALLEN INTO THE TRAP??!?!?
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UPDATE:
The Daily What just posted a long@$$ thingy-ma-jig here.
By writing this blog have I...
...FALLEN INTO THE TRAP??!?!?
Thanks Leah, for this interesting set of articles on Kony 2012. - Mom
ReplyDeleteOn Kony 2012, here’s what I think:
1. Invisible Children has succeeded in making the world “aware” of the criminal acts of Joseph Kony in Uganda, Africa, where he has captured children and forced them to be part of his army. Over 30,000 children have been murdered in Uganda. Now that the world is “aware”, Invisible Children should use their resources to take action.
2. Anything that’s viewed by 32 million people is bound to get a lot of criticism. It’s easy for anyone to criticize; and that doesn’t necessarily mean they are any more right. The fact is this monster is still out there. The question is: will money help capture him and bring him to justice?
3. Crooks and liars have always been around; and they’re not going away. Being skeptical is being responsible. Pay attention to how organizations use donations.
4. There are way too many monsters in the world. How does one know where to begin? So here’s what I think about taming monsters. (1) I believe in God, and the power of God over the world. I believe in God’s power to pull on your heart strings for the causes that are right for you. And even if you are absolutely clueless to God, He will all but beat you over the head at times to get you on track. After all is said and done, “love is the strongest force in the universe”, and that is God. (2) I also believe in the ripple effect. Care as much as you can for the people around you, in words and deeds, but also by being a person of good character. It’s the “Let Peace Begin with Me” theory. I have to believe that Good spreads to others and makes a difference. That is our hope.
5. Choose your battles. Fight against wrong or promote the positive. Here are two examples of sharing what Christians call “The Good News” which you can find on YouTube:
Food Court Flash Mob Hallelujah Chorus - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXh7JR9oKVE
There are over 37 million views of The Food Court on YouTube
Resurrection Sunday Dance, Budapest - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5dSIL358NM
A mere 1.6 million views of Budapest – Celebrate eternal life! – turn on the subtitles to see the words.
6. And finally I will quote a song we sing in school by D. Gagne called, “We Can Make a Difference”: “Do you have the courage? Do you have the pride? Do you have a vision of a world where all is right? We know what’s right; and we know what to do. The future can be brighter. It’s up to me and you.”
Thanks for responding, Mom! I especially like the part where you say, "God’s power to pull on your heart strings for the causes that are right for you."
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