Does awareness matter? A cautious viewpoint of KONY2012.

- March 12, 2012 - by Chel Wolverton, in blog, real life, social media, with 2 comments -

A million tweets, Facebook shares, YouTube views. We need to ask ourselves if awareness matters. Does it realistically achieve the goals we seek? Over the last week or so Invisible Children’s KONY 2012 video and other marketing components have spread across the web like wildfire. Striving to achieve their goal of spreading the word about the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

From the noise around the web they have certainly achieved that goal. Whether you support their efforts or think that they are misusing funds, the misconception that we can make a difference with a few tweets without researching to get the bigger picture is irresponsible at best. (And though it’s inflammatory I have to mention that photo of the filmmakers with guns, a joke or not, is chilling in it’s implications.)

The truth behind the conflict and violence merits more than 26 minutes of video. Be responsible enough to look for more information and understand what you’re supporting before sending out a tweet from your couch in the US. True understanding comes with educating yourself.

Reading a declaration from documentarians at SXSW has left me with the feeling that we need a better understanding of what making a difference truly means. “Dyer, however, thinks, there’s a larger achievement here. “Now 13-25 year olds around the world are at least talking about it [strife in Uganda]. That’s the most important thing to come out of that film.” I very much disagree with that statement. I’m disheartened that the attention could cause more harm to come to children who have already experienced horrors that thankfully our children never have.

What’s done is done now, we are limited in what we can do to prevent the harm of children so many thousands of miles away. There are some reputable charities that are able to help feed those children. I would caution you to do some research and investigate which those are and give to them instead of Invisible Children. IC’s quest to bring attention to the unjust methods the LRA is idealistic and not realistic in truly providing help. If you aren’t sure where to donate, I would encourage you to consider the International Red Cross Uganda’s National Society. Recommended reading: Wil Wheaton on KONY2012

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Tags: awareness education KONY2012

chelpixie 34 pts moderator

I think that the more people who inform themselves before hitting a button is better for everyone. I think it's important to take the time to ASK QUESTIONS and for those being asked to acknowledge that asking questions is OKAY and that they have a clear, concise and understandable response.

Maybe most people *have* informed themselves beyond the surface and still choose to support the project. I can't say, but I'm concerned that many have not.

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ldpodcast 7 pts

I think we're entering a new era (well, it's been here for a while, but people are finally figuring out how to use it effectively) where we can all have a voice. However, getting that voice amplified is trickier. Trickier still is conveying nuance and why things may not be as simple as we may think they are from first glance.

Take any hot button political issue from cutting off welfare benefits to unemployment, or a myriad of other positions. It turns out, if you take away unemployment benefits, those folks may then have to qualify for welfare benefits and slip further into a hole, as well as take time away from the job search to deal with those issues. Then you are merely shifting people from one governmental program to another, without solving anything but an accounting trick.

While information flows freely, we have to look at accuracy, source, and a more 360 degree view of things. Plus, "awareness" is not action. What are you going to do about it? We are all more powerful than we know, but you have to dig in and make a difference with money or action or somehow do "Something" other than hang out on Facebook. And taking action is hard.

I got ticked off at all the money I feel is being wasted on negative campaign ads the other day, so i started a quick blog, www.makeadifferenceforwomen.com, suggesting instead of giving to the political candidate of your choice or their opponent, you give to a favorite, related charity, and have that charity send the politician a card, letting them know a donation was made in their name. Think how much more effective a message you're sending when you fund a worthwhile 501 c 3 that is putting verbs into sentences and helping people, while letting a politician know of your beliefs as well. My favorite is sending conservative republicans who seem to hate birth control, thank you gifts from Planned Parenthood, but NPR would be equally effective I'm guessing.

The point is, feeling bad and wishing doesn't make change. Doing something about it does. And that even includes researching issues beyond the commercial spot. Even better, =be the change you want to see, and go volunteer in your own community. That makes even more sense, since all action should begin close to home where you can see the reward for your actions, as well as model that for others.

Money is easy to give. Giving my most precious commodity, time, really shows my commitment.

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Does awareness matter? A cautious viewpoint of KONY2012.