I was really blown away by the power of the KONY 2012 video; it was extremely emotional and empowering to feel like I could do something to help stop a war criminal. I’m excited, as many of us are, about the future power of a populace that can “bear witness” by the millions to send a message to criminals that they will be held accountable. I keep thinking about the Michael Franti lyric “and to those who torture – we’re comin’ for ya.”
This link to Forbes has several great articles that give more information about the complexity of the situation in Uganda that are really worth reading. I was wondering why people were criticizing this movement; I kind of thought they were just nay-sayers, but now I’m seeing that there is a lot more involved in this situation.
It comes back to the old adage, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.”
As privileged Americans, we don’t always understand what is going to be helpful in another country where the situation is much different. I will always remember my outrage when we were told in Egypt that we were going to visit a “carpet school,” where children made carpets. I sat there fuming as we drove through the streets lined with small mud huts, emaciated animals, and begging children. I then began to realize that although wealthy Americans are outraged at the idea of children working, in this situation, these children felt lucky to have those jobs. The money they made at that carpet school was the difference between life and death for their families.
It’s too easy to say that we can feel good about ourselves for saving the world in 30 minutes of watching a video and a few mouse clicks. That comes from an inherent feeling of culturally superiority, that we are somehow “better” than the Ugandans, that we know what’s best for them, and that we as superior Americans can save them and then congratulate ourselves. All of that is too simple.
If we really care about the Ugandans, then we will all take the time to really see them, hear them, educate ourselves about their entire situation, involve them in this discussion, and then help as we can. Maybe the people at Invisible Children have done this, and maybe they have the right idea about how to help. Or maybe not?
I am very excited to see how this affects the future of activism and so glad to be living in this time. As always, I hold tight to the belief that PEACE is POSSIBLE.
Sing Truth to Power,
Noelle Picara