You have a computer. I know this because you’re reading this blog.
In the last few days, you’ve probably seen a zillion updates and video posts about Joseph Kony and the atrocities of the LRA. I know this because you have a computer.
Here’s my thought and just take it for what it’s worth. As my opinion, it’s worth very little BUT I’m going to throw it out there and see what sticks. There is part of you that wants to jump on this social media bandwagon because you feel less of a compassionate humanitarian if you don’t. Before you do, just make sure you do a little research. I did. I feel more enlightened to who this idiot Kony even is and I would support Kony being apprehended and thrown into a very deep hole without means of escape. 
But there’s more to this movement. African expert Dr Tanya Lyons says it sounds like KONY 2012 is “cashing in” on a problem that’s been around for 20 years, and she warns that there is no simple solution. Invisible Children reports that in an official account of the $13.7 million raised in the 2010/11 financial year, $8.8 million was allocated for expenses – including filming costs, transportation and production. Hmmm….might not be the best place for your hard earned money. As far as the United States “non-involvement”, as many have touted, know this. Late last year the United States sent 100 military advisers to help find Kony and bring him to justice.
My guess would be that the same people who want the US to go to Africa and fight this man and his army are the very same people who want the US to stop getting involved in every global conflict that is morally corrupt. We can’t have it both ways. And, by the way, we don’t have a limitless pot ‘o gold for the military; nor do we have limitless manpower. Our military is involved in fighting battles you aren’t even aware of as a normal American citizen. Trust me.
Okay, I’ve stepped off of my soap box. Don’t I care about thousands of children abducted and forced to do unspeakable acts? Of course I do!! Just as much as I care about the hard working people forced to live on the streets. Just as much as I care about military families living below the poverty line. Just as much as I care about the millions of victims of human trafficking. Just as much as I care about babies born addicted to drugs and suffering from AIDS. I care passionately. I give money to organizations who are directly helping victims. I don’t bash my government because they aren’t fighting another battle somewhere with thousands of our volunteers because I understand there’s more to this than a 30 minute film.
Okay, that’s it. (This is why I stick to writing about family squabbles over Jeopardy.)
Be blessed, everyone….and pray for all of the global atrocities. There are entirely too many of them. Research and invest; do your part.
Amy
.
Deb and I were just talking about this video this morning. While I did post it on my FB page, I did it more to see who’s response would be like mine was when initially watched it. “What about the people left behind? It would be great if he was caught, but the aftermath will still be there.” I think that once again, we get caught up as a human race in addressing the wrong problem. Once Kony is caught then what? What is this organization going to do then? Okay, that was my soapbox moment! Great job Amy!
Thanks Tammy! I think that’s exactly the problem…addressing the wrong problem.
Thank you for climbing up on the soapbox with me~ I always have room for one more. 🙂
I agree we need to be careful where we throw our money… however, this young man states right from the start that his goal is to raise awareness.
And he HAS.
So, I’m not sure what the problem is.
I have heard adults, teens and children as young as 8 talking about this. (I was clueless at this age!)
Yes, this problem has been around for 20 years…. which (in my thinking) is even more reason to make more people aware. Because when people become aware of one issue, they are more sensitive to others that might be happening closer to home. They begin to think further outside of themselves.
The aftermath will be there, and another leader could well jump in if Kony is eradicated – should we use that as an excuse to do nothing? Are we trusting God?
When we seek to donate to a non-profit, we must evaluate what we would like to accomplish and give accordingly. Film-making is extremely expensive. The folks at Invisible Children feel called to raise awareness in the way they know how. This young man appears highly passionate for this cause, and he is using his gifts and talents to back up his beliefs (which is what God calls us to do), leaving his family at home so he can do this work. Considering his recent break-down, it appears he is also paying a personal price to follow this calling.
If I prefer that my money goes more toward humanitarian aid in the region, I have the right to find an alternative non-profit. It doesn’t make this one bad – it just makes it different.
These articles are good if they’re used to educate ourselves and remind ourselves to do our homework. But I have seen two camps in this…. those who click “like” on anything without understanding what it is… and those who are bashing the campaign because of this article. NEITHER are doing any personal research at all. THAT, to me, is much more dangerous than Invisible Children using 80% of their budget to produce these films.