Invisible Children have a new video out (Kony2012) and it’s made a splash in a big way. The vast majority of the publicity you’ve likely seen is positive but there have been a few less than excited voices out there. I have a natural aversion to anything that goes viral in such a big way so it took me some time to check it out, and upon doing so found myself with mixed emotions.
- I’m honestly glad that they are trying to raise awareness about an important issue: a vast history of injustice in the central/eastern African region perpetuated by the LRA and Joseph Kony.
- There has been a lot of discussion about IC’s financials. It’s not all that bothersome to me that so much of their cash goes into video advocacy. I expected that. I think IC did a good job of speaking to this issue specifically here
- I’m honestly quite uncomfortable with several aspects of it.
- I’m not keen on how much the issue has been oversimplified. IF the video thrusts folks into learning more and digging deeper, GREAT. But I’m not sure it’s doing that. And you still have to deal with the fact that it glosses over information that’s quite important (and at times gives some questionable info as well)
- I’m not keen on heavy US involvement or placing an un-critical eye on Ugandan army involvement either. Particularly in regards to the latter, they have their own war crimes to answer for in this region. In regards to the former, it wasn’t exactly an altruistic involvement: we got the Ugandans to fight in Somalia for us.
- I’m not keen on the advocating of direct violence as a solution. Especially when nonviolent approaches are currently working (and have been for some time). I won’t go so far as to say that its beyond a state’s power to exercise violence if she deems it necessary, but it should never be done lightly. Direct concerns here: will cutting off the head kill the LRA? Probably not, and we are left with a new, potentially more troublesome problem. Also, do we not think that Kony will surround himself with a large number of children? Ignoring that they are brainwashed and holding guns, and assuming the innocence of childhood, the collateral damage potential is massive.
- Flowing from the above, Obama’s “kill or capture” order makes me uncomfortable. I’d much rather see, and celebrate, justice rather than death.
Anyways, I don’t want to spend much more time writing on it. It has worth in raising awareness but I would encourage you not to stop with it, or what IC is trying to do. Dig deeper into the issue. Listen to Ugandan voices. There is significant work going on in the region, actively seeking justice and peace. Get involved there. Listen to the voices of successful nonviolent resistance and heed their cries.