So, 'Kony 2012'. I've watched the video on facebook. I found it moving. I didn't donate or do anything really. I have mixed feelings about things like this. First off, America has a reputation for not caring about the rest of the world- and in that case I'm proud to say that America IS paying attention- at least to certain things- and sure, why not start with the worst guy on the list of international 'bad guys', to put it simply. At the same time, how many of the people involved in helping ignore signs of depression and poverty and crimes against humanity in our own communities, or in our state, or just our country. I have seen many in my life who are destitute, or are victims of violent crimes- what do I do to help them? Well honestly, I can't say- I try to be friendly, whether I'm aware of a situation or not. I try to reach out to those in need. I try to listen when someone needs to talk. If I'm aware of other actions that are needed I try and look for them, but honestly I don't know how well I do.
Some criticisms of Kony 2012 include the mention of the video saying one of its purposes is to raise awareness and to contact congressmen so that we can keep the United States in Uganda, when people in Uganda say he isn't IN Uganda anymore. So why are we sending an army to Uganda to catch someone NOT THERE? Should he be stopped? Yes. Do people who have suffered because of him want justice? Yes. But send people to get him where he is, not where he is not. (There's a video from a girl who was affected by Kony and her reaction to Kony 2012 HERE).
Then there is the question of the groups finances. How much that is donated is actually going TO the cause? I heard one statistic that I haven't yet verified saying 30 cents for ever dollar... So if you donate $100- only $30 goes to help arrest Kony. An article on CNN says: "Actress Mia Farrow, a good will ambassador for UNICEF who has visited areas attacked by the LRA, commended Invisible Children for bringing "unprecedented focus" to a horrific situation but urged people to donate money to agencies like the Red Cross and UNICEF that work to help victims." ( Article is titled: "Group behind anti-Kony video rebuts criticism, urges public pressure" (title is a link to actual article)) Whatever the actual percentage of money going to the cause- it is NOT 100%. It is spending all of its efforts to try and capture Kony, yet in the video itself it mentions that Kony seems to have gone into hiding and is said to be changing his tactics. Shouldn't that makes us more wary of what we do publicly? Sure, it's fine for us, he's still in Africa- what can he do to us? But what can he do to the people in some village perhaps 30 minutes away from him? What if we have some psycho who will massacre thousands just to create a diversion to escape? I am more for helping the victims through funds like the Red Cross. I want him arrested, but how do we know if the methods of Kony 2012 are the best?
Create awareness- yes. Post it to your facebook wall? Sure. People need to be aware of what is happening in the world. But think about the cause before donating. Do YOU agree in the cause AND its methods? If so, great, I support you in your donations. In the financial world you can invest money in many different ways- there are safer, conservative ways that almost guarantee a return of your money and maybe some interest and those that are more risky and may produce the desired result and may fail due to unforeseen circumstances. Some people like those risks- it fits their personalities. For me though, I think I'll stick to the Red Cross and a few other ones I trust to get the job done that I invest in.
As for the director being arrested. His family say he has never had a drinking problem or a drug problem. The fact remains- he was creating a public disturbance, acting kinda crazy, and was said to be drunk and possibly under another influence. Here's the thing: THIS guy BELIEVES in his cause. It is PERSONAL to him. He wants to see Kony receive justice. I agree with him. He believes his methods will work. Yet people publicly criticize his work- what he has dedicated so much of himself to. If you cared about something that much, wouldn't you be stressed if people publicly criticized it? I know I've done a little of that here. But what I'm saying is- he's human. If he was dehydrated and sleep-deprived, and hadn't eaten, he could've gone for a drink and ended up with alcohol poisoning. That doesn't mean he has a problem with drinking- it means one mistake. Publicly humiliating? Yeah. But I don't think many people alive could bear as much criticism as he is about something they care about as much and not react to it. People all react differently- some eat more, some won't eat. Some will have a drink, others with problems might go further. Either way, give the guy a break.
His video saying we want to keep the US in Uganda. Maybe they say that to keep the army close enough to act without publicizing their plans too much. If so, I would agree with that tactic to protect more of the people he is likely to be able to hurt. The money doesn't all go to the arrest of Kony- true, but some of it goes to the cost of furthering awareness. To get more money, isn't awareness a must? Maybe they took it too far, but I believe he is doing his best for a cause he believes in, the way he thinks is best. If you agree- then by all means, support Kony 2012. If not, I still think you should help spread some awareness of Kony 2012. If we can start showing mutual support in going after the "bad guys" we can one day, make a huge difference.
Other articles worth reading:
Kony 2012 Video (actual Youtube Video)
'Kony 2012' director Russell not on drugs or drinking, family says
Opinion: Why Kony 2012 created the wrong buzz
Man behind 'Kony 2012' arrested- for masturbating in public
Kony 2012: Viral video for the misinformed?
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