Something Controversial
Over the last few days, a video has gone viral on the internet. Unlike so many viral videos, this is not of talking animals, dancing grandmas, or any number of other zany videos that make us laugh throughout the course of the day. No, this is a 30 minute documentation of the story of Josephy Kony, a war criminal.
The video has sparked a lot of controversy and conversation. The organization responsible for the video, Invisible Children, has come under scrutiny as well. All of this is good. It's important to ask questions and to do research. Before getting involved in a movement, it's important to ask questions.
I am staggered by the darkness in this world. There are some days where I am sick to my stomach and reduced to tears over what happens here. It can be overwhelming to even know where to begin. I hate that we've given so few real alternatives to women that they often feel the only "choice" they have is to terminate the life of their child. I hate the degredation of the soul that allows for enslavement and torture of young people in a sex trade that is more alive than ever. I hate the state of our economy that has even 1st world, American children going to bed hungry at night. I hate that all over the world, people of all ages are starving, overwhelmed by disease, and afraid for their lives and the lives of their children. I hate that evil has such a hold on this world and so much power. This list doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the injustice plaguing us today. Not even a little bit.
But, in an age where my generation and the ones after are far too often apathetic and selfish, I love to see the stir created by Invisible Children. I love to see that they are working to make a difference. I remember when they began their fight and how it stirred up the hearts of my friends. It's not the only thing in the world that needs our attention, but it has taken root in the hearts of some and I love to see them trying to make a difference.
Everyone must make the choice for themselves if and where to begin. There are things that make me weep and yet, I am overwhelmed at where to start. But, this movement requires little of me and stirs up a desire for me to find other ways to help other people. It shows me the power of one voice when committed to make a change.
For those of you who have questions about how Invisible Children spends the donations they receive, they've outlined and answered as many questions as they could find in the blogosphere and news wires. Please visit their blog for more information: http://invisible.tumblr.com/
Whether you agree with the Stop Kony movement or not,I hope you'll take the time to watch the film and let it stir your heart. Whether it stirs you to help "Make Kony Famous" or not, I hope it helps you peek outside of your own circumstance and look for a way to help combat a little of the darkness in the world. I hope it encourages you that one voice, committed to change, can make a difference.
Here's the video for those who are interested:
http://youtu.be/Y4MnpzG5Sqc
The video has sparked a lot of controversy and conversation. The organization responsible for the video, Invisible Children, has come under scrutiny as well. All of this is good. It's important to ask questions and to do research. Before getting involved in a movement, it's important to ask questions.
I am staggered by the darkness in this world. There are some days where I am sick to my stomach and reduced to tears over what happens here. It can be overwhelming to even know where to begin. I hate that we've given so few real alternatives to women that they often feel the only "choice" they have is to terminate the life of their child. I hate the degredation of the soul that allows for enslavement and torture of young people in a sex trade that is more alive than ever. I hate the state of our economy that has even 1st world, American children going to bed hungry at night. I hate that all over the world, people of all ages are starving, overwhelmed by disease, and afraid for their lives and the lives of their children. I hate that evil has such a hold on this world and so much power. This list doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the injustice plaguing us today. Not even a little bit.
But, in an age where my generation and the ones after are far too often apathetic and selfish, I love to see the stir created by Invisible Children. I love to see that they are working to make a difference. I remember when they began their fight and how it stirred up the hearts of my friends. It's not the only thing in the world that needs our attention, but it has taken root in the hearts of some and I love to see them trying to make a difference.
Everyone must make the choice for themselves if and where to begin. There are things that make me weep and yet, I am overwhelmed at where to start. But, this movement requires little of me and stirs up a desire for me to find other ways to help other people. It shows me the power of one voice when committed to make a change.
For those of you who have questions about how Invisible Children spends the donations they receive, they've outlined and answered as many questions as they could find in the blogosphere and news wires. Please visit their blog for more information: http://invisible.tumblr.com/
Whether you agree with the Stop Kony movement or not,I hope you'll take the time to watch the film and let it stir your heart. Whether it stirs you to help "Make Kony Famous" or not, I hope it helps you peek outside of your own circumstance and look for a way to help combat a little of the darkness in the world. I hope it encourages you that one voice, committed to change, can make a difference.
Here's the video for those who are interested:
http://youtu.be/Y4MnpzG5Sqc
Comments
I am really glad you took the time to write something about this. I have to say, the more I learn and hear about it, the more frustrated I become. I get the concept of "question everything" but a lot of the criticism is pointing fingers at the organization, and by doing so it is crushing the cause of bringing Kony to justice, which is unfortunate. My opinion of the situation is this: (for what it's worth) Think what you want about Invisible Children, but don't let it silence the cause. Awareness is awareness. Despite where IC's money goes, Joseph Kony is a real person committing real crimes against humanity. Let's spread the word and put an end to it.