If you have a Facebook or Twitter account, you more than likely saw several posts and tweets about “Kony 2012,” a movie by independent filmmaker Jason Russell. Despite Russell’s recent actions, The Journal would like to discuss the latest fad and faux activism that was Kony 2012.
In the movie, Russell exposes Joseph Kony, leader of the Lord’s Resistance Army. This army kidnaps boys, so far approximately 66,000, from villages in Africa and forces these children to serve in the army and sometimes kill their own parents. Even though the film was released in 2012, Kony has repeated these actions since the late 1980s.
While The Journal knows public awareness is key to informing those who may not know these atrocities, simply liking a status or retweeting will not take down ruthless leaders. In today’s social network heavy lifestyle, it was inevitable something of this magnitude would go viral. Many people watched the YouTube video, tweeted about “Kony 2012,” and changed their Facebook profile pictures.
It’s been approximately three weeks since the movie went viral, and The Journal wonders where the hype has gone. Kony did not stop because you tweeted about him, and neither has Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, if you tweeted about him at all.
While fads come and go, caring about others, especially those who are in horrendous situations, should not be the flavor of the month. If people truly care about a cause, The Journal thinks they should continue to learn more about what is going on in the world and at home, instead of liking a status and throwing money at whatever organization says they will help the cause. Do some research and see what is really going on.
There are atrocities like Kony’s work going on in other countries on a daily basis. If human rights is your game, play every day. Continue to let others know not only about Kony, even when the YouTube views slow down, but also about other violence and human rights infringements.
Share this post
