So yesterday I saw the video that I'm pretty sure the entire internet has been talking about, KONY 2012. Which is here if you want to watch it (for the first time or again).
And wow! I think I burst into tears about 10 times. I can't remember the last time I felt so moved. And so I've decided to get involved. I ordered the action kit. I'm planning to cover the night. Or...cover the day, or afternoon, you know, whatever I can do.
BUT...
I have also spent a good deal of time reading criticism of the movement, particularly behind the organization responsible, Invisible Children.
There has been A LOT of strong emotions and arguments occurring since this went viral. And I've read most of them. I encourage you to do the same. Blind faith in this day and age is tough, and hero worship, which I think is happening a lot with the founders of IC, can be even trickier and more dangerous.
Here's the thing though. I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. And yet, I still feel that the good outweighs the bad in this case. IC has been criticized for not having a Ugandan on their board (they should). They've been accused of dumbing down the issue (and they have, but...I believe it was done in good faith to make the most impact--we're living in a twitter world--messages have to be flashy and FAST), and there is also the issue of...if we succeed, now what? Is IC too naive?
I have no idea. I don't think IC has the answers, and I certainly don't. I don't even know what's going to happen in the next scene of the novel I'm currently writing. But the main goal behind Invisible Children does seem to be exposure. And they're doing an amazing job. They are creating a fire and a passion in everyone who sees this video. People are starting to know who Kony is, and they want to get involved.
An open dialogue is forming, one that matters.
Despite any aspect of the group that might be off focus or imperfect, no one can say that a day spent discussing the horrible crimes of Kony over what Kim Kardashian did last week is a bad one. They may not be the perfect organization or the best one for this mission, but they're onto something here, something amazing. And if it encouraged someone who never heard of Kony before to learn more, to do some research, to take a stand, I think it's good. So yes, I am in favor. No, I'm not following blindly. But, I will do my part.
However small that is.
What do you guys think?
Critical Links:
Eric's Wanderings
Washington Post
The Independent
Visible Children (this link has practically broken the internet, hopefully it will work for you)
REALLY smart thoughts on this, Frankie and thanks for those other links!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christina!
DeleteI do think their heart is in the right place, and it seems painfully obvious that Kony is a terrible person, but I'm not sure the underlying phenomenon is so simple. I'm not saying this isn't basically a good movement that people should support, because it is, I'm just saying that when they're hopefully successful, and Kony is arrested and tried, I don't think think that will mean the deeper issues have been solved.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your thoughts on it all, Frankie.
Yes, exactly! It's not simple--but what is? And once Kony is arrested...it will be messy. The deeper issues will still be there and probably for awhile, but hopefully they'll be in a better position to deal with them. This is definitely not a solution--but it's a pretty damn good step in the right direction.
DeleteI saw this video yesterday and I also read the criticism. But here's the thing: I never heard of Kony until I watched this video. I like things that make me more aware and I like the promotion of social media being used as a way for people to protect one another. Do I think IC is the best organization? No. But it's getting people to talk about an issue. And by watching the video and reading the criticism, maybe people won't get directly involved with IC but they might be inspired to get involved with other charities and organizations.
ReplyDeleteYes, this exactly! I love that it's getting everyone talking and thinking. And I love that idea that people might not join IC but another group. As long as they get involved it's great! It doesn't matter with who. And if IC is as altruistic as they appear (and I think they are deep down inside) they won't care either.
DeleteI agree that at least they are raising awareness, and that is always a good thing if it can help educate and motivate people. Great post, Frankie.
ReplyDeleteI think that it's great the word is getting out about Kony and the organization, but one thing I've noticed that it's become almost a trend on the Internet. The Kony video went instantly viral and people were either posting about it on all their social networks or criticizing it. :/
ReplyDeleteIt's always important to first look at the sources of the information and judge whether or not they are credible, if their past history has any bad blood in it, etc. before automatically coming out on either side (if there really needs to be a side).
I left you some awards on my blog by the way, Frankie! Hope you're having a great week.
-Wendy Lu
The Red Angel Blog