Deflating Empowerment? I Think Not.

I woke up at Alex’s host family’s home thirsting to grasp life in my fingertips this morning. So what do I do? Run around her scenic neighborhood again. There’s nothing like starting off your day inhaling the fresh Scandinavian air and soothing out travel stressors in a hot shower!

Alex shared the Kony 2012 video with Sim and I after this viral social movement reached her laptop this morning. We watched the video together, tears welled in my eyes, and I felt deeply empowered by the efforts. Jason Russell, you’ve made quite the video. Like all humans, I too want to make something of my life by giving back to the community. Yes, a young woman in her mid twenties still embraces hope she can make a difference in the world. Influential mentors like my cross-cultural professor at University of Missouri, Etti Navah-Benjamin, have only fed those thirsts for meaning and purpose in this world using international connectivity. Hence why I’m studying the effects of meaning in positive psychology… but that isn’t today’s focus.

In a nutshell, the Kony 2012 movement aims to publicize Joseph Kony and raise awareness of his war crimes. He kidnapped Ugandan children for sex slaves and soldiers. Kony revamped an existing rebel group back in 1987 and renamed it the Lord’s Resistance Army which has abducted over 30,000 children over the 26 years. Invisible Children aspires for his arrest. Their method is to globalize Kony’s infamous name from a sociological perspective – the power of internet communication.

Educate yourself: Kony 2012

I’ve been familiar with Invisible Children over the years but I’m sad to admit my personal proactivity on current cultural affairs only dawned during college. Inspired by my emotional response to this provocative PSA I began researching a bit more about the movement. Particularly, I’ve been researching the criticism all morning. As Mashable stated in the “Kony 2012: Is the Viral Campain a Scam?” article:

“Invisible Children has been condemned time and time again. As a registered not-for-profit, its finances are public. Last year, the organization spent $8,676,614. Only 32% went to direct services (page 6), with much of the rest going to staff salaries, travel and transport, and film production. This is far from ideal, and Charity Navigator rates their accountability 2/4 stars because they haven’t had their finances externally audited. But it goes way deeper than that.”

The term slacktivism has risen in response to Kony 2012 as well, referencing a “feel-good” method of supporting a cause without personally acting towards a movement’s aims. Rather, “slackers” show support through internet petitions and social media to feel better about themselves since they aren’t the ones venturing to Uganda. Is this really humanity stands in 2012? Well then.

Here’s where I’m at: unification towards a movement creates a sense of purpose and enlightenment among the human race. Empathy and connectivity reign true by giving those a voice who stand in harms way thanks to Kony as a flees. A couple of regular guys went to Africa one day, explored what life has been like for those in Uganda, and truly OWNED their calling be spreading the truth.

 The funding issue is inevitable. In today’s day and age, people don’t even raise their noses from their technical devices when asked for donations unless there is a blatant grab factor to catch their attention. Why? We’re desensitized. We’re all wrapped up in “me” scenarios and blind to recognizing opportunities to truly help others in need. I do believe this movement has potential. Even with negative feedback in addition to positive support, the Kony epidemic has become known and he’s on the run just like Osama Bin Laden. Osama was captured years after he became infamous, but media brought value to the end of not knowing who he would terrorize next. Humanity’s response to his capture? Relief set in for a brief moment knowing one less person will try to massacre the innocent. Fear is daunting and relentless. The power of unified purpose just may be able to overcome such fear.

I admire the movement because it stands for SOMETHING WORTH looking into. Yes, it’s a political and social debate. At the end of the day, imagine standing in the shoes of one of those children abducted and being threatened until you murder your own family members. Would you not go to worlds end to stop that? Russell is merely honing his sources to reach stubborn minds of modern day. Invisible Children remains honest. They are an open book clarifying the criticism they receive. The cause is real. The choice to support is your own. I encourage you to educate yourself on what happens to the rest of humanity while you continue your day to day life.