what I think about Kony2012

Every blog I follow which talks about aid work, the humanitarian world, Africa, poverty and conflict, etc… every one of them has posted a “What I think about Kony2012″ blog during the past week.

Well, I don’t want to be left too far behind, so here is my Kony2012 reaction blog.

I thought it was boring.

Sorry, guys, but I was amazed it went viral because it’s a full 30 minutes long, and it’s all narrated in the sad voice of a guy who uses images of his cute little son during the first few minutes to tug on our heart strings. Then there are some scenes of the world from space, stars, and other inanimate objects. I made it about 10 minutes into the video while puttering around in the kitchen, then I stopped watching because I didn’t see the point. Sorry, Invisible Children, I admire your effort I really really do. But I’m not really feeling much of the vibe of your most recent video.

Of course, I hear that many other people are indeed feeling the vibe and are feeling deeply touched by Kony2012. So maybe I’m not normal. Maybe 30 minute long documentaries with lots of still screens is exactly what other people like. Or, the cynic in me can’t help but wonder, maybe most other people also only watch the first few minutes and then turn it off. Maybe it’s gotten a lot more attention in the aid world, among people who already know about Kony, than in the general public? (If you’re not an aid worker, I’m curious: have you watched Kony2012? Did you find it touching?)

Or maybe the film has grabbed people because of the sheer force of its message. The guy deserves his infamy, no doubt. We all agree that it’s hard to imagine how a world without Joseph Kony would be any worse than it is now. We all want him brought to justice. And maybe that’s why Kony2012 has gone viral.

I’m not sure the video is going to bring him to justice. In fact, from what I’ve heard about him, he sounds like the kind of madman who might enjoy infamy as much as, or even more than, fame.

Plus, I understand that he’s not in Uganda anymore. The Lord’s Resistance Army has been moving around Central Africa for the last several years, and last I heard they were mainly based in the Central African Republic. So shouldn’t we be learning more about that little-known small nation of Central African Republic, than about Uganda?

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  • http://beinghappygirl.blogspot.com happygirl

    He’s the biggest reason I am hesitant to give money to African charities. I’m so afraid the money will get into his hands and aid him instead of the people who really need the help. Then I become part of the problem.

    • http://www.katiworonka.com Kati Woronka

      Ach. Sadly, this is possible. I really wish I could refute that. But it doesn’t happen all that often! And I’d definitely think that a charity that helps ex-combatants of girls victims of trafficking (aka the fall-out from Kony) really needs our help because these are the kids who have already been through it and are trying to get out. It’s so complex and heartbreaking… I’d better stop blabbering now

  • http://www.wantonsoul.com/ Nowhere Man

    Hey, thanks for sharing. As I am an aimless drifter with no interest in politics whatsoever I have no idea what Kony2012 is. I tried watching some of that video but didn’t really have time to finish as it is quite long and boring. I will however say that it was time well spent just to find the video of the little kid learning to ride the bike which made my day.

    Thumbs up lil’ dude. ROCK AND ROLL

    • http://www.katiworonka.com Kati Woronka

      Oh I think I missed that part - oops! Does that mean I have to watch it again?

      I will say, though, that I don’t think it’s about politics at all. While the video isn’t a very good attempt (in my humble opinion) of trying to address or explain the issue, the issue indeed is very real. For me, the issue is that families are losing their sources of income, villages live in constant fear, little boys are growing up feeling more comfortable committing murder than having a real conversation with another person, and too many girls are suffering abuse. That’s not politics, is it? That’s seeing our fellow human beings as real people, or something like that…

      • http://www.wantonsoul.com/ Nowhere Man

        Oh nooo.. I wouldn’t want you to go through that again.. here is the link

        http://youtu.be/eaIvk1cSyG8

        This kid rocks. As far as the politics business, I guess when you put it that way they you have a different spin on it. I normally automatically associate avarice, corruption, and oppression with politics since in my opinion political leaders have the power to do something about it yet choose to do nothing. Instead, it seems to me that they quite often facilitate it to suit their own personal agenda. But like I said I don’t really know much about these things since I don’t follow it very well. I don’t even have a television. I’m just a drifter.

    • http://www.katiworonka.com Kati Woronka

      That video’s awesome! What kind of a kid actually talks that way?!

      I entirely agree with you about what you said about the politicians, but don’t look now but I think you may have just taken a political stance

      • http://www.wantonsoul.com/ Nowhere Man

        Heh, it looks like it doesn’t it. It’s all your fault

  • Shanda Oakley

    Totally agree! Relevant magazine had a good article about it as well. I find the reaction is largely dependent on whether one has lived overseas, especially in Africa.

    • http://www.katiworonka.com Kati Woronka

      Hi Shanda… you know I started to reply to your comment but then got caught up in a long discussion with friends about this and related things. I am a bit baffled as to what most people ACTUALLY think, to be completely honest! Most of my friends fit into the having lived overseas, very possibly Africa, category… so ultimately it’s all making me feel very out of touch.

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